Etihad Airways Increases Equity Stake in Virgin Australia

On Tuesday, we reported how Etihad Airways had acquired 3.96% stake in Virgin Australia Holdings, built up over recent weeks through purchases on the open market.

Now the airline has confirmed that its equity stake in Virgin Australia Holdings has reached 4.99%.

The airline said in a statement that it remains interested in building a larger stake over time but will only do so after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. The fast growing airline serves 87 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30% of airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest airline, and 40% of Air Seychelles.

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