Etihad Airways not in talks with Malaysian Airlines over equity stake

Etihad Airways' growth strategy has relied heavily on expanding its route network through equity alliances in which it invests in carriers in strategically important regions.

Etihad in 2013 grew its equity alliance to seven carriers. Jaime Puebla / The National
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Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways said on Thursday it is not in talks with Malaysian Airlines for an equity investment, dismissing media reports.

“Etihad Airways would like to confirm that it is not in talks with Malaysia Airlines about the possibility of an equity investment in the carrier,” it said in a statement.

Shares of Malaysian Airline System rose the most in more than a year on Wednesday following a media report that the loss-making national carrier will form a partnership with Etihad Airways as part of a rescue plan.

The troubled Malaysian carrier has told oneworld alliance members that it might form a partnership with Etihad Airways, according to the CAPA Centre for Aviation, Australia's The Age newspaper reported on Wednesday.