The merger between Emirates (EK, Dubai International) and Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) has "never been contemplated and is not on the table", Emirates President Tim Clark said during the APG World Connect conference in Monaco.
"The only 'merger' going on right now is with flydubai (FZ, Dubai International). We can create better value through consolidation within the Emirates Group, but there is a strong intention in the board to keep the two brands separate. flydubai can in the future go to many more low-cost destinations," Clark said.
In September, global media speculated that the UAE's two largest carriers could merge. The news was quickly refuted by both carriers, although Clark admitted that Emirates and Etihad Airways are looking at where cooperation could create more value for both airlines.
Rumours about the consolidation were prompted by the poor financial situation at Etihad Aviation Group, in turn, mostly caused by the holding's failed investments in Alitalia and Air Berlin (1991).
