Prague - The French-Dutch airline, Air France-KLM, said Monday it was interested in taking part in a privatization of Czech Airlines to expand its operations in Central and Eastern Europe.

"Air France-KLM will be submitting today a non-binding expression of interest in order to access the airline's data room," the carrier said in a statement.

The airline said that the potential acquisition of its partner in the Sky Team Alliance "would enable the group to strengthen its position in Central and Eastern Europe."

The Czech Republic's Ministry of Finance launched a two-tier tender for its stake of 91.5 per cent in early February.

In the first phase, the center-right cabinet of Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek is to pick a pool of bidders for the second round, in which the price will be decisive.

The deadline for applicants is later Monday, after which the ministry may publish their list.

Other potential bidders include Russia's Aeroflot, Czech low-cost and charter carrier Travel Service and Czech-based private equity firm Odien Group.

Most analysts estimate the carrier's price to be at 3 to 5 billion koruny (153 to 255 million dollars). The cabinet plans to pick the new owner by September 30. (dpa)