Ethiopian is state-owned (yet in a surprising way... left alone to do their thing... no political interference... professionally run... and they make profits!) and the PRIDE of Ethiopians... thus highly unlikely to be sold to KQ. You have already pointed that out...
Now... maybe Ethiopian might want to buy KQ (or rather take a stake in KQ)... I do not know BUT I think ET buying into KQ is far more likely... but does ET have the cash?
A merger of sorts would be nice... since they compete in the same markets. A merger would cut excess capacity,give them 2 hubs & dominate the East+Central African market. Or they should code-share to cut costs & competition...
KQ has a code-share with Nigerian Eagle... must have been a close fight with ET. I am sure you know Nigerian Eagle is the former VN.
VA is looking to sell 49% but who will buy? Nigerians are notoriously difficult to do business with... Ask Achieng ;-)
Where is the link to the CNBC story?
Greedy when others are fearful,Very fearful when others are greedy - to paraphrase WB
Greedy when others are fearful. Very fearful when others are greedy - to paraphrase Warren Buffett