PARIS, July 28 (Xinhua) -- French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire welcomed the investment plan between Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, calling it a "global strategic and industrial reinforcement," of the Franco-Dutch joint venture.
In a joint statement with transport minister Elisabeth Borne released on Thursday, Le Maire said "this operation will enable Air France-KLM to ensure the development of the long-haul segment in North America and Asia and to benefit from strong synergies in geographically and economically key marketing networks."
Following "the new capital and commercial partnership, the "Franco-Dutch flag carrier will strengthen," the minister added.
"As the group's largest shareholder, the government fully supports this transaction, which creates value for the company, its customers, its employees and its shareholders," he said.
Under the sharing investment accord, state-owned China Eastern Corp. Ltd. will buy 10 percent in Air France-KLM stake, a first such acquisition of a Chinese airline in a western carrier.
U.S. major airline Delta Air Lines, which holds 3.2 percent in China Eastern, will also buy 10 percent stake in the Franco-Dutch joint venture.
As part of "an integrated global alliance, unique in the world," Air France-KLM will acquire 31 percent of Vigin Atlantic capital.
