Etihad airways buys part of Virgin Australia

Abu Dhabi airline Etihad Airways has purchased a four per cent stake in domestic carrier Virgin Australia.

It brought this share for $35.6m (£23.1m) and is reportedly keen to purchase as much as 10 per cent of the company, the BBC said.

The move is part of the airline's plan to expand its global operations by partnering with various airlines around the world.

Manchester City's sponsors have previously invested in Germany's Air Berlin, taking on a 30 per cent stake, Air Seychelles, of which it now owns 40 per cent, and a small share in Ireland's Aer Lingus.

James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad, said: "We're building a strong business model. And part of that business model is partnerships.

"Where we see opportunities to improve our business, stretch our networks and take out costs... we'll consider those accordingly."

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Etihad and Air New Zealand agree codeshare deal

Holidaymakers taking flights to New Zealand and Australia could benefit from a new codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand.


The new partnership means that Etihad will be able to codeshare on Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Rotorua.

Air New Zealand will also be able to share services on Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia.

Rob Fyfe, Air New Zealand's chief executive officer, explained the codesharing will increase passenger numbers on domestic flights as well as allow expansion into the Middle East market.

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Etihad Airways Inaugurates Luxury Lounge at Manchester Airport

Etihad Airways, UAE’s national airline, has launched a premium class lounge at the Manchester Airport as a part of its continued commitment to the North West England.

Etihad’s Pearl Business Class travellers were able to enjoy the services and amenities of the premium lounge after an opening ceremony that was hosted by Manchester City Football Club’s Manager, Roberto Mancini; Garry Cook, MCFC Chief Executive; and Mike Summerbee, MCFC ambassador.

The Manchester Airport’s new premium lounge follows the roll-out of similar lounges in Abu Dhabi, London and Frankfurt. Each of these lounges portrays the airline’s distinctive style, along with excellent ambience and excellent quality. Manchester Airport’s lounge boasts of a specially designed gallery that showcases memorabilia of the Manchester City Football Club.

With Etihad Airways’ business class travellers enjoying free limousine transfers to and from the airport and now the wonderful amenities of a stylish lounge, the airline makes sure that premium class ticket buyers are comfortable throughout their journey.

Etihad Airways has been operational in Manchester since 2006 and provides connecting cheap flights from the city to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow through its code share partner, bmi. The airline also operates flights from Manchester to Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton and Inverness with Flybe.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner stated in company’s press release, “Manchester has always been an important market for Etihad and the ties between Manchester and Abu Dhabi have never been stronger.”

Mr Baumgartner further stated, “This latest development is testament to our commitment to the North West of England, and to the ever-growing business and leisure travel demand in and out of the region. We are very proud to be able to offer Etihad Pearl Business Class guests in Manchester this amazing lounge.”

The Premium Lounge - Amenities & Services

The stylish lounge at the Manchester Airport is a spread out on more than 300 metres and features some of the finest business services and amenities. The lounge has incredible dining facilities with a selection of international cuisines and a state of the art business centre with individual workstations. The lounge additionally features a family room; a relaxation area incorporating comfortable leather chairs; luxurious bathrooms and shower facilities for passengers boarding flights from the airport; and a prayer room. Etihad’s Pearl Business Class Lounge moreover offers astounding and expansive views over the airport’s taxiway and runway.

Etihad’s other initiatives in the Region

Earlier this year, Etihad Airways announced a massive increase in the airline’s capacity in North West England, which led to an availability of more than 2,000 additional seats per week on the route. The increased number of seats has turned out to be really beneficial for holiday travellers looking for tickets on cheap flights as well as for business travellers who seek premium class tickets.