Libya's airlines expect to merge soon

Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways have been in negotiations about a merger for several years but the plan has been repeatedly delayed.

"The decision will be announced by around mid-October ... Afriqiyah and Libyan Airlines will be one company," Sabri Shadi, chairman of the Libyan African Aviation Holding Company (LAAHC), told Reuters in an interview.

He said the management of both airlines had agreed to the merger and the last remaining hurdle was approval from the Libyan government.

"This decision will give us a strong company, a lot of aircraft, help us provide a good service, help us train our staff and reduce costs," Shadi said.

Both airlines -- which are controlled by LAAHC but operate as separate companies -- have seen rapid growth since international sanctions on Libya were lifted in 2004.