Etihad Airways and Alitalia have entered the final phase of a due diligence process about a possible investment by Etihad Airways in Alitalia, James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Etihad Airways, and Gabriele Del Torchio, Chief Executive of Alitalia, confirmed today.
During the next 30 days both companies and their advisors will determine how a common strategy can be developed which meets the objectives of both parties.

Any issues that may prevent the establishment of an appropriate business plan will have to be resolved to ensure the plan can be implemented to move Alitalia to sustainable profitability.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried nearly 12 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways offers flights to 102 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, with a fleet of 89 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The airline has more than 220 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s, and 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus and Jet Airways. Subject to regulatory approvals, Etihad Airways will acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia and 33.3 per cent of Darwin Airline in Q1 2014. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com