Emirates and Etihad Deny Plans to Merge
Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways moved to quash speculation that the two would soon merge.
Reports of a merger were first reported by Bloomberg News on Thursday.
“There is no truth to this rumor,“ the two airlines said.
While both airlines operate similar routes and their hubs are roughly an hour apart from each another, Emirates is reportedly profitable while Etihad has been struggling in recent years.
Were the two to merge, the resulting carrier would be the world’s largest airline by passenger traffic. In addition, the deal would require the blessing of the rulers of two of the richest sheikhdoms in the United Arab Emirates.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)