Etihad Airways in partnership negotiations with South American airlines

Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan stated (17-Sep-2012) the airline is in negotiations with South American carriers about potential commercial partnerships. The airlines involved were not named. Mr Hogan also commented on the economic significance of the airline's planned Abu Dhabi-Sao Paulo service, scheduled to commence on 01-Jun-2013. Mr Hogan said, "with some of the fastest connecting flight times to China and Japan, Brazil's largest and fifth largest trade partner, respectively, Etihad Airways is providing vital air links between the world's major emerging markets." [more - original PR]