British Airways seen eyeing Austrian Airline

VIENNA (Reuters) - British Airways has logged its interest in the sale of a stake in Austrian Airlines, Austrian daily Die Presse said in a preview of an article due to be published on Saturday, giving no further details.

Austrian state holding company OeIAG is offering its 43 percent holding in Austrian Airlines, worth around 157 million euros, though the size of the offer may change as a 25 percent stake must remain under the control of Austrian investors.

British Airways declined to confirm or deny the report. "We don't comment on rumour or speculation," a spokeswoman said.

Germany's Lufthansa and S7, Russia's second biggest airline, have both already said they have registered their interest in taking a stake with OeIAG.

According to media reports, Air France-KLM, Air China and Turkish Airlines have also notified the state holding of their interest.

All interested parties need to present their concepts by Sept 12 to the state holding company, which will then draw up a shortlist, according to an OeIAG spokesman.

(Reporting by Karin Strohecker; Editing by Greg Mahlich)