Etihad expresses interest in Virgin Atlantic: reports
Virgin Atlantic Airways spokeswoman Polly Durrant stated Sir Richard Branson is still in the early stages of assessing the carrier's future (Bloomberg/Reuters/Gulf Times, 24-Jan-2011). "Deutsche Bank AG is working with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Group to assess the current aviation marketplace and seek growth opportunities for Virgin Atlantic,. This study is at a very early stage so there is no further comment to make at this time," she said. Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan reportedly recently wrote to Deutsche Bank to "express interest" in acquiring the carrier (Sunday Times, 23-Jan-2011). The carrier responded to the reports by stating: "We have no comment other than that we talk regularly and frequently to many airlines and a range of other businesses from all over the world about business issues and opportunities."