The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad said in a statement
here Feb 27 that the purchase is part of a sale
and lease back agreement signed Feb 26, and that
Jet Airways will continue to operate flights to
London utilising these slots.
Etihad has been in talks with the Indian carrier
for some time to buy a stake in it, and the statement
indicated that discussions were on in this regard.
Etihad Airways said it continues with discussions
about further investment in Jet Airways.
Etihad and Jet had signed a code sharing commercial
arrangement in July 2008, and the deal further
strengthens the existing commercial relationship.
Notably, India relaxed foreign investment rules
in September 2012 for foreign airlines to acquire
up to 49 percent stake in Indian carriers. Etihad
is reportedly looking at a 24 percent stake in
Jet.
(Emirates News Agency,
WAM)
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