More equity investments are on the cards for Etihad as partnerships continue to play a key role in the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s growth, its president and chief executive James Hogan has said .
“Global reach is beyond the capacity of any single airline. Progress must come through partnership,” he told the FVW tourism congress in Cologne. “We will consider more strategic partnerships if they add value.”
Etihad has made clear its intention to raise its stake in Virgin Australia to 19.9% and is acquiring 24% of Indian carrier Jet Airways and 49% of Air Serbia.
The carrier also owns 40% of Air Seychelles and 3% of Aer Lingus.
Hogan said such investments deliver synergies which cannot be achieved through traditional alliances.
“Legacy alliances are focused largely on network and revenue benefits,” he said. “Our equity alliance delivers much broader benefits for all the partners including opportunities to reduce costs through resource sharing and joint procurement.”
Meanwhile, the airline reported great success for its recruitment drive for 200 Indian cabin crew to support its November expansion. So far more than 1,000 applications have been received.
