Aer Lingus stake acquired by Etihad Airways

Aer Lingus flights will continue to operate as usual, but under a new stakeholder. Ireland’s Aer Lingus Group Plc recently announced that the Middle East’s third-largest carrier Etihad Airways has recently acquired a minority stake in Aer Lingus.

The Dublin-based company owning Aer Lingus said that Etihad Airways has acquired a 2.99 percent stake in the airline. Etihad Airways has acquired stake in Aer Lingus as part of its strategy of investing in European operators to help feed passengers via its hub in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways has indicated that it is ready to increase its stake further in Aer Lingus if both the carriers reach an agreement on an alliance.

Aer Lingus in a statement said that it is currently engaged in discussions with Etihad Airways, which is focused more on reciprocal codeshare opportunities. Aer Lingus also said that future discussions are likely to explore additional commercial and cost opportunities to develop a closer working relationship in areas such as joint procurement.