• Most Popular
  • Most Shared

UPDATE 1-Air France, Veolia plan high-speed rail venture

Mon Sep 8, 2008 12:39pm EDT

Stocks

   

(adds confirmation)

Stocks  |  Global Markets

PARIS, Sept 8 (Reuters) - The world's biggest airline by revenue, Air France-KLM, said on Monday it plans to move into high-speed passenger rail transport in a venture with French transport, waste and water firm Veolia (VIE.PA).

The Air France unit of the airline group said that it and Veolia were studying such a venture for when European rail passenger traffic is liberalised on Jan. 1, 2010.

However the company said in a statement it could not confirm a newspaper report that the deal could be signed on Sept. 15.

Air France-KLM said at the beginning of July that it was in discussions with Veolia about a partnership to create a new high-speed rail player in Europe.

Veolia's shares closed up 2.80 percent at 33.5750 euros per share, while Air France KLM was up 2.25 percent at 17.0450 euros.

High speed rail travel is currently mainly in the hands of state-owned rail companies such as SNCF [SNCF.UL] or Deutsche Bahn [DBN.UL] or joint ventures between these operators such as Eurostar and Thalys. Private group NTV plans high-speed travel in Italy. (Reporting by Vanessa Walters; Editing by Quentin Bryar, Paul Bolding)

Stocks
Global Markets


More from Reuters

Joint Terminal Attack Controller SSgt Clinton J. Herbison, a U.S. Airman from the 817 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (EASOS) takes a break during a night mission near Honaker Miracle camp at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province August 12, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Pictures of the Year

A look at the best photos of 2009.  Slideshow 

    PICTURES
    The Dalai Lama jokes with a nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference after his first lecture in Lausanne, Switzerland, August 4, 2009. REUTERS/ Valentin Flauraud

    What a wacky year it's been...

    Um, what's up the Dalai Lama's nose? "Oddly Enough" editor Bob Basler rounds up the goofiest photos of the year.  Full Article 

    Oddly Enough
    A caution sign is seen next to a stock board at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney September 5, 2008. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
    Political Risk in 2010:

    Don't say we didn't warn you

    With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead.  Full Article 

    Global Markets