Members of the seven strong consortium of carriers known as the Airline Group could be preparing to sell their stake in National Air Traffic Services, according to reports.

Airline Group bought a 42 per cent stake in NATS when it was privatised 11 years ago.

Now the leisure airline members of the group - such as Thomas Cook and Monarch – are thought to be pressing ahead with a sale.

Others, including easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are thought to want to retain their shareholdings, the Sunday Times reported.

The UK government owns 49 per cent of the organisation, while small stakes are owned by airport operator BAA and NATS staff.

Report suggested German air traffic controller provider DFS could be a potential contender, together with various infrastructure investment funds.