Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, is pushing forward with an expansion policy that should prepare it to compete in the increasingly competitive regional aviation environment.
Founded in 2003, Etihad – which is backed by one of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds – has built up a fleet of more than 65 aircraft, with an additional 100 on order, including many wide-body, long-haul planes. While working to expand its own operations, Etihad has also recently acquired strategic holdings in other regional and global carriers to boost passenger growth figures via code sharing.
In December 2011, Etihad took a major stake in German carrier Air Berlin, lifting its existing holding in the airline from just under 3% to 29.2%. The airline spent $95m for the increased share in Europe’s sixth-largest passenger line. More recently, in May Etihad acquired 3% of the shares in Irish carrier Aer Lingus, and in January the airline purchased 40% of Air Seychelles.
Positive step of Etehad Airlines to meet the needs of customers & growing traffic...
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