The future ownership of German leisure airline Condor remains open after Chief Executive Peter Gerber said the carrier could eventually become part of a larger international airline group, although no decision has yet been made.
Speaking in an interview with the German magazine Stern, Gerber said it would be natural for Condor to seek a strategic partner capable of supporting its long-term expansion. While Germany’s Lufthansa is effectively ruled out for competition reasons, he indicated that airlines from the Gulf region—such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways—as well as Turkish Airlines, could be potential candidates if a sale were pursued.
Condor is currently owned by British investment firm Attestor, which holds a 51% stake, while the remaining 49% is still linked to the German state following financial support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. Berlin has repeatedly stated that its goal is to fully exit its investment once the airline’s financial position is secure.
Over the past few years, Condor has undergone a major transformation. The airline has modernized its long-haul fleet with Airbus A330neo aircraft, expanded its European route network and entered the business travel market while continuing to strengthen its traditional leisure operations. The company is also enjoying record passenger capacity during the 2026 summer season.
Gerber stressed that any future transaction would be driven by the airline’s long-term growth strategy rather than financial necessity. According to him, joining a larger aviation group could provide Condor with greater access to international markets, additional investment and stronger global partnerships.
Although no formal negotiations have been announced, industry analysts believe Condor’s improving financial performance and modern fleet make it an increasingly attractive acquisition target. Any future deal, however, would still require approval from European competition authorities, particularly if the buyer already has a significant presence in the European aviation market.
