Hapag-Lloyd market was planned in 2004. As part of that process, its business units other than the container line and cruise line were planned for divestiture. In 2008 TUI announced an intention to sell its entire stake in Hapag-Lloyd shipping activities before the end of that year. Industry speculation predicted a sale price of approximately $US5.9 billion. Hapag-Lloyd founded the charter airline Hapag-Lloyd Flug in 1972, buying a few Boeing 727s to fly its cruise passengers from Germany to the cruises' ports of call. The airline eventually added some regular passenger flights as well. Hapag-Lloyd Flug used the IATA code HF
Aero-Tropics Air Services thirteen passengers died in the accident, in what as of November 2008 is the worst airline accident in Australia for forty years. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau initial factual report states the aircraft's power settings at impact appeared normal for an approach, but that the aircraft was about 1,000 ft below the minimum obstacle clearance height for that position. As of July 2008, the Aero-Tropics Air Services (ATAS) fleet consisted of: At the time of liquidation, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) showed that the airline owned the following aircraft: As of July 2008, Aero-Tropics Air Services (ATAS) operated scheduled