The Moscow city government is understood to have made principal decision to sell Moscow Airlines, formerly Atlant-Soyuz.

Although the very intent to sell Moscow city’s share in the airline was first voiced almost a month ago, confirmation about the existence of such firm intension became known only this week.

According to an insider in the Moscow Airlines, the city has managed to persuade one of largest private shareholders, Victor Grigoriev, to sell his shares. This will lead to the Moscow city obtaining control over almost 100% of the airline shares.

Several companies have already expressed their intent in acquiring the airline, including UTair, Basic Element, and structures controlled by entrepreneur Aleksander Lebedev.