Abu Dhabi-based Etihad airlines is focused on taking a stake in India's Jet Airways, its chief executive said today amid media speculation it could invest in Italy's troubled Alitalia.
When asked whether Etihad was interested in taking a stake in Alitalia, Etihad chief executive James Hogan told the news agency that "At the moment I'm focused on India, transactions in India." He said Etihad has a strong relationship with Alitalia, and flies to Rome and Milan.
"We look at many businesses but we are primarily focused on Jet Airways," said Hogan. He said Etihad hopes to get the green light from Indian authorities in the coming weeks to acquire 24 percent of Jet Airways, which will give it a presence in a fast-growing market.