IATA AGM 2013: Etihad considers joint aircraft order with Jet, Air Berlin and Air Seychelles

Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said (03-Jun-2013) during a media briefing at the IATA annual general meeting in Cape Town that the carrier is looking at placing a joint aircraft order with India's Jet Airways, Air Berlin and Air Seychelles. Mr Hogan said there were talks with Airbus and Boeing during the IATA AGM with the executives of Etihad, Air Berlin, Air Seychelles and Jet Airways participating. He would not provide details on aircraft numbers or types, saying it is still "early days". Etihad is closely aligned and owns equity stakes in Air Berlin, Air Seychelles and Jet. Etihad also owns stakes in Aer Lingus and Virgin Australia. Mr Hogan says Aer Lingus and Virgin Australia are aware of the joint talks with Airbus and Boeing and would be welcome to join a potential order but did not participate in the talks during the AGM. Etihad along with Air Berlin, Air Seychelles and Jet are also planning joint purchases of other items - including engines, components and in-flight entertainment systems - in an effort to give the carriers in the Etihad alliance scale and commonality.