Emirates, the world’s fastest growing airline, has ruled out any plan to acquire stakes in India’s struggling carriers even as Etihad Airways, another UAE flagship carrier, continued its negotiations to acquire a stake in Jet Airways, a leading player in India’s domestic aviation sector.
Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ executive vice-president for Passenger Sales Worldwide, said the Dubai-based carrier, which is now flying to 126 destinations with the launch of services to French city of Lyon, is only keen to acquire more aircraft rather than looking for an airline acquisition.
“We have no intention as of now to look for stakes in any other airlines. Our focus is on expanding our fleet and route network across the globe,” Antinori told Khaleej Times as Emirates’ inaugural flight touched down at Lyon Airport as this city of 2.6 million people prepared to celebrate the annual Festival of Lights.
Most of the Indian carriers, including embattled Kingfisher, have been making huge losses and are looking for foreign direct investments to prop up their flagging fortunes.
08/12/12 Issac John/Khaleej Times
