Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways open to more stake buys: chief executive

01 Oct, 2012

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier which has been on a recent acquisition spree, is eyeing further investments if the right opportunity arises, its chief executive said on Sunday, adding 2012 revenue could top $5 billion for the first time.
"We see further equity investments only if it's the right opportunity, right partner, right market and right price," James Hogan, Etihad's chief executive said at an aviation conference in the United Arab Emirates' capital.
Unlisted Etihad has been on an acquisition drive in recent months, taking minority equity stakes in Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus and raising its shareholding in Air Berlin and Air Seychelles.
Any future acquisitions would follow the same theme, with Etihad not interested in majority ownership, Hogan said, adding that the airline will continue to extend its codeshare network, which contributes around 20 percent of its revenue. "Our equity model is about growth, not control," Hogan said.

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