Etihad invests in Aer Lingus

Etihad Airways has acquired a 2.987% stake in Aer Lingus, forging a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier. According to Etihad officials, a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines. Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July 2007. The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country. It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal. Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world. (http://www.etihad.com)