The boss of Lufthansa says the airline has been “in contact” with Norwegian as it eyes further growth in the low-cost sector.
Chief executive Carsten Spohr told German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Monday (June 18) talks had taken place between the two parties.
“In Europe, everyone is talking to everyone,” said Spohr. “There’s a new wave of consolidation approaching. That means we are also in contact with Norwegian.”
Spohr added progress depended on “strategic value, price and anti-trust”.
Norwegian’s shares opened 11% higher in Oslo following Spohr’s comments before dropping to 8% by around 9am GMT.
Lufthansa is the latest group to look at Norwegian following high profile interest from British Airways owner IAG.
While Lufthansa already has its own low-cast airline, Eurowings, Spohr said he was “imaginative” about the future of the group with passenger numbers expected to rise in the coming years.
Norwegian has knocked back two bids from IAG, but IAG is expected to return to the table after taking a 4.61% stake in the low-cost carrier.
Ryanair, meanwhile, has denied making any enquiries about Norwegian.