Etihad in talks over Alitalia stake
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Etihad Airways has confirmed that it is proceeding with plans to take an equity stake in Alitalia.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline said in a statement on Monday that it will “forward a letter detailing the conditions precedent and the criteria for a proposed equity investment by Etihad Airways that have been negotiated with Alitalia and its stakeholders “.
It also revealed that the Italian government “looks favourably at the Etihad Airways-Alitalia partnership”.
“We are delighted to be able to move forward with this process and look forward to the successful conclusion of the proposed transaction with Alitalia,” said Etihad’s president & CEO, James Hogan.
“An equity investment in Alitalia will be beneficial not only for the both airlines, but, more importantly, it will give more choice and broader travel opportunities to business and leisure travellers into and out of Italy.”
Alitalia’s CEO, Gabriele Del Torchio, called the investment “an excellent outcome” for his airline.
“This investment will provide financial stability and confirms Alitalia’s key strategic role as an infrastructure player in the travel and tourism industry in Italy for long-term growth.”
If approved, the investment would mark the latest stage in Etihad’s expansion in Europe. Last year the UAE national carrier acquired a 49% stake in Serbia’s national carrier, JatAirways, and has since rebranded it as Air Serbia. Etihad has also launched a Switzerland-based subsidiary, Etihad Regional, following a 34% investment in Darwin Airline, and holds a 29.2% stake in Germany’s airberlin and a 4.1% interest in Ireland’s Aer Lingus.
Outside Europe, Etihad holds stakes in Jet Airways, Air Seychelles and Virgin Australia.
Alitalia, which is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, currently operates 4,722 weekly flights to 103 destinations with a fleet of 132 aircraft.
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