Etihad jolts the status quo again – Jet Airways and (wait for it) Air Canada are its newest partners

By purchasing a large minority share in Jet Airways, Etihad enormously entrenches its long term global position, as it secures intimate access to one of the world's fastest growing markets. The deal is accompanied by expanded bilateral access and a new US pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi Airport. The near-billion dollar deal will not only radically shake up the Indian market - to the substantial disadvantage of now-marooned Air India - but the ramifications will be felt well beyond Indian borders.

And right on the heels of this announcement comes the remarkable news that staunch Gulf airline opponent Air Canada is to codeshare with….Etihad. For now the scope is limited - but it will expand, as Etihad's virtuous circle spreads.