Air France-KLM plans to increase its stake in Scandinavian airline SAS to 60.5%, the latest step towards consolidating Europe's fragmented airline sector as carriers seek to strengthen their position against rivals.

Air France-KLM is making good on its option to take control of SAS Scandinavian Airlines after first investing in the carrier last year. Under a deal

Air France-KLM will initiate the process of raising its minority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS AB to 60.5%, as it looks to extend consolidation in the European aviation industry and better compete with rivals Deutsche Lufthansa AG and British Airways owner IAG SA.