The chairman and CEO of Emirates (EK, Dubai International), Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has dismissed rumours of the carrier's impending merger with struggling Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International).
Speaking to Arabian Business, al Maktoum said such a tie-up had “never been discussed in any way shape or form”.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is in the midst of a wide-sweeping restructuring programme aimed at stemming heavy losses from its failed equity-investment strategy.
“A merger is easier said than done and right now we are of the opinion that competition is good. However there are ways we can work together more closely by using each other’s facilities and services," al Maktoum said adding that a possible partnership could emerge between Emirates and Etihad in the groundhandling segment through its dnata unit.
Earlier this year, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in aviation security.
