Lufthansa has received more German government support in its bid to take over substantial assets of insolvent rival Air Berlin, with German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries saying she would welcome such a move, Reuters reported. "Lufthansa is already an aviation champion — its position can be strengthened further though," she said. However, a spokesman for the ministry later attempted to play down the remarks, saying that it had no preferred bidder. Industry rivals have voiced concerns at the way the insolvency process is being handled. Lufthansa, Germany's top carrier, cannot buy all of Air Berlin because it would give it a dominant position in Germany. But Lufthansa is first in line for talks, ahead of other potential bidders.
