Precision seeks KQ bailout as Dar govt snubs airline
A Precision Air carrier. The airline has been facing cash flow challenges occasioned by an overambitious expansion plan that saw it add new aircraft. FILE
By ROSEMARY MIRONDO Special Correspondent
Posted Saturday, February 1 2014 at 16:15
In Summary
- Precision Air approached KQ, which owns 41.23 per cent of the airline, for financing, as the Dar es Salaam-based airline seeks ways to shore up its eroded cash position.
- The airline has been facing cash flow challenges occasioned by an overambitious expansion plan that saw it add new aircraft.
- Precision Air said apart from KQ, it was also talking to other investors, including other airlines, keen on taking up a stake in the airline.
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Kenya Airways (KQ) and Tanzania's Precision Air are in talks over a deal that could see the Nairobi-based carrier raise its stake in the latter, by injecting up to $30 million into it.
The move comes after similar discussions between the Tanzanian government and Precision Air, in which the former was expected to inject $30 million into the struggling company, flopped.
READ:
Dar govt pushes for Precision Air shares' valuation before investing
Precision chairman Michael Shirima told
The EastAfrican that his airline had approached KQ, which owns 41.23 per cent of the airline, for financing, as the Dar es Salaam-based airline seeks ways to shore up its eroded cash position.
"KQ was waiting for the government's decision…. when the government gave us its final decision on the matter, KQ came up with the idea to increase its stake, over which we are still in discussion. Our aim is it get between $20 million and $30 million through equity," said Mr Shirima.
Late last year, Ernst and Young, Precision's auditors, raised concerns over the viability of the airline in the light of surging debts, saying it must move fast to secure financing if it is to remain afloat.
The company's audit report painted a gloomy picture of the loss-making firm, saying its liabilities had exceeded its assets by Tsh83.14 billion ($53 million).
READ:
Precision may not last long in the air, auditors now warn