Greek carrier Aegean raises stake in Romanian Animawings to 51%

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's largest carrier Aegean Airlines said on Thursday it has raised its stake in Romanian Animawings to 51% from 25%, strengthening its presence in the Romanian market.

The Greek company said its total investment for the 51% stake amounted to 1.3 million euros ($2.06 million).

Aegean, a member of the Star Alliance airline group, acquired its existing stake in Animawings, a member of tour operator Memento Christian Tour, in early 2020.

For 12 years Christian Tour, one of the largest tour operators in Romania, was a steady customer for Aegean, arranging chartered flights from Romania to Greece.

From the start of the new tourism season Animawings will operate with three aircraft from Aegean's fleet, serving chiefly outgoing Romanian tourists via chartered and regular flights, Aegean Airlines said.

(Reporting by George Georgiopoulos; Editing by Jan Harvey)