TOKYO - ANA Holdings made an offer Monday to support Skymark's rehabilitation process, even though authorities likely will impose a time limit on the deal to maintain market competition.
"We want to contribute to the healthy development of a domestic airline industry that has a solid foundation," an ANA executive said of the company's decision.
Few are taking the explanation at face value. Most industry players instead see the move as a bid to take over Skymark's coveted takeoff and landing slots at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
Japan Airlines, which was bailed out by the government when it went bankrupt, is unable to sponsor Skymark's reconstruction. This is the perfect opportunity for ANA to gain an edge on its longtime rival.
But the Transport Ministry unofficially notified ANA that it would be able to invest in Skymark only for five years, in order to maintain robust competition in the industry. The carrier is contesting that limit, and no resolution has been reached.
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