Etihad Airways to sell stake in Aer Lingus

Etihad Airways has reached a deal to deepen its relationship with Air France-KLM and separately has agreed to sell its stake in Aer Lingus Group, Etihad's chief executive officer James Hogan has said.

Etihad and Air France-KLM will share codes on more flights starting this year, opening more European cities to the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s customers, Mr Hogan said. The airlines have yet to finalise terms of the deal.

Mr Hogan added that Etihad will sell its 4.99-per cent stake in Aer Lingus.

The moves reflect Etihad’s strategy to grow its route map through airline partnerships. With codeshares on French domestic flights imminent, Etihad also is looking to add destinations via codeshares with Philippine Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Malaysia Airlines, Hogan said.

“We’re keen to maintain a relationship with (IAG). Indications are that they’re interested in doing so too,” Mr Hogan said.

Reuters