US-based lessor Intrepid Aviation is reportedly planning to try and prevent ANA Holdings from securing a shareholding in struggling Japanese LCC, Skymark Airlines (BC, Tokyo Haneda) Reuters has reported quoting two undisclosed sources.

According to the newswire, the move is in response to a decision by ANA - All Nippon Airways (NH, Tokyo Haneda) to withdraw from an agreement with Intrepid to lease up to seven aircraft. Last month, ANA was said to have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Intrepid to lease five A330-300s that were originally in service with Skymark.

As one of Skymark's largest creditors with claims of JPY300 billion (USD2.45 billion), there is the possibility Intrepid could veto ANA Holdings' appointment as a sponsor given that any such move requires agreement from the majority of debt holders.

ANA Holdings has said it is seeking a 19.9% stake in Skymark followed by the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) and the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking which are together pursuing a 33.4% shareholding. Tokyo-based investment fund, Integral, has the largest share with 50.1%.