UAE carrier Etihad Airways confirmed today it had acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus.

The airline said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier.

Etihad Airways believes 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.

This is the latest coup for Etihad Airways, which picked up four awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East ceremony 2012, including Middle East’s Leading Airline, Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class, Middle East’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Staff

p>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.