Etihad Airways Says Options Open on Ryanair Stake in Aer Lingus

Thursday, Aug 16, 2012

DOHA (Zawya Dow Jones)--Etihad Airways, which favors growth through strategic alliances, could be interested in Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair Holdings' (RYAAY) 30% stake in Aer Lingus Group PLC, a spokesman for the Abu Dhabi-based airline said Thursday.

"We're open to considering our options," said the spokesman, who stressed no talks have taken place with Ryanair and no approach has been made by the carrier.

Etihad was responding to a media report earlier Thursday in which Chief Executive James Hogan said he would be open to talking to Ryanair about a stake-sale.

Etihad bought nearly 3% of Aer Lingus earlier in the year, with analysts saying it could up its holding further to give it a better foothold in the lucrative Asian-Europe market.

The Middle East carrier had snapped up a string a minority stakes in airlines this year as it looks to forge commercial partnerships to boost traffic through its hub in Abu Dhabi.

-By Alex Delmar-Morgan, Dow Jones Newswires; +974 6659 9818; alex.delmar-morgan@dowjones.com; Twitter: ZDJnews

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

16-08-12 1040GMT