UAE carrier Etihad Airways in discussions with other European airlines
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has received government and regulatory approval to become a shareholder in Serbias national carrier Air Serbia.
Etihad Airways signed an agreement with the government of Serbia in August 2013 to establish a strategic partnership between the two carriers involving a $200m investment plan. Etihads initial $40m loan facility will now be converted into equity.
I am pleased to confirm Etihad Airways is now the shareholder of 49 per cent of Air Serbia, says Etihad Airways president and CEO James Hogan.
Since the agreement in August, the Serbian carrier was rebranded from its former name Jat Airways and operates direct flights between Belgrade and Abu Dhabi four times a week.
Etihad is also in discussions with Air Berlin to raise its shareholding to 49.9 per cent and delist the German carrier, reported local WirtschaftsWoche magazine on 22 March. Etihad has close to a 30 per cent stake in Air Berlin.
The Air Berlin decision could bolster the possibility of Etihads acquisition of 40 per cent of Italian carrier Alitalia. A merger of the German and Italian carriers could reduce the financial burden of Alitalias $1.1bn debt.
Etihad Airways has four other equity partnerships. These include Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Indias Jet Airways and Irelands Aer Lingus. Equity investment was one of the main attributed factors to Etihads a 48 per cent total net profit increase in 2013.
On 4 March Etihad formed the Etihad Aviation Group, which will allow it to grow from a single airline into a wider global aviation group.
You might also like...
Boycotts are a boon for local brands
03 May 2024
EU announces €1bn in aid for Lebanon
03 May 2024
Aramco and China deepen petrochemical relations
03 May 2024
A MEED Subscription...
Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.