Emirates rumored to be considering Etihad take over

Manchester, United Kingdom - May 30, 2016: Emirates Airbus A380 underside view. Manchester Airport May 30 2016.

Emirates are rumoured to be considering taking over Etihad, which would form the world’s biggest airline by passenger traffic.

Bloomberg reports “four people familiar with the matter” who asked not to be named, said the Dubai airline was in preliminary talks to consider buying its neighbouring unprofitable Abu Dhabi airline, though negotiations could yet fall through.

Both airlines have denied the allegations, after initially declining comment.

But if the transaction were to go ahead, it would require the blessing of the most wealthy sheikhdoms in the UAE.

Plus, the merger would make Emirates bigger than American Airlines, which has a market value of $26.3 billion.

According to IATA, Emirates is already the world’s biggest airline on international routes and ranks fourth overall behind the top three US carriers.

1024px-A6-EYG_Etihad_1

Forbes reports speculation that Emirates might step in to save Etihad has been lingering for some time, with Etihad having recently failed in an attempt to reinvent itself by investing in smaller struggling airlines in Europe and Asia.

One of these airlines, Air Berlin, collapsed last year and another, Alitalia, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Emirates President Tim Clark said in June that he saw nothing happening in the way of an acquisition in the short-to-medium term.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays

Virgin Australia has blamed the delayed delivery of ten Boeing MAX planes for the cancellation of its direct flights between Adelaide and Bali. The route is expected to relaunch on 9 June with the arrival Virgin’s latest batch of Boeing aircraft. Adelaide travellers can still make their way to Bali, although the trip will now […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800

Join me on my personal review of the iconic Singapore Airlines’ A380-800 business class cabin. Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxurious and spacious seating in any class, it’s sleek and fine interior reflects a sophisticated yet relaxed charm, promising instant luxury the minute you board. The configuration in business class is 1, 2, 1 […]

  • Aviation

South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen

South African Airways will fly across the Indian Ocean for the first time since the pandemic today when the first of its relaunched Johannesburg to Perth flights touches down today. The South African Airways flights will connect 40,000 more passengers per year in each direction, between Perth and Johannesburg using Airbus A340-300s. Flight Centre Corporate […]

  • Partner Content

My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse 

Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse?  ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]

Partner Content

by Travel Weekly

Travel Weekly
  • Aviation

Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport

Emirates has unveiled a glimpse of its future with the news of a new base at  Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai overnight. Also referred to as the Dubai World Central, the airport is undergoing an AUD $53.3b refurbishment. Once complete, it will become the city’s main international hub with five parallel runways and 400 […]

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]