Etihad is eager for India's second-largest airline, Jet Airways, to consider direct flights between the subcontinent and Australia once it gains a cornerstone stake in the carrier.
The speculation about Jet Airways flying here comes a month after flag carrier Air India began the only direct services from Delhi to Sydney and Melbourne.
The entry of a second Indian airline would pose the biggest challenge to Singapore Airlines, which has the lion's share of the market between Australia and India.
Etihad chief executive James Hogan has talked privately about his interest in Jet Airways launching direct services to Sydney or Melbourne, according to two well-placed sources.
The Middle Eastern airline is awaiting final approval from Indian authorities to complete the purchase of a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways.
It is expected to have a large influence over Jet Airways' future direction despite its holdings falling well short of control.
29/09/13 Matt O'Sullivan/Sydney Morning Herald
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The speculation about Jet Airways flying here comes a month after flag carrier Air India began the only direct services from Delhi to Sydney and Melbourne.
The entry of a second Indian airline would pose the biggest challenge to Singapore Airlines, which has the lion's share of the market between Australia and India.
Etihad chief executive James Hogan has talked privately about his interest in Jet Airways launching direct services to Sydney or Melbourne, according to two well-placed sources.
The Middle Eastern airline is awaiting final approval from Indian authorities to complete the purchase of a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways.
It is expected to have a large influence over Jet Airways' future direction despite its holdings falling well short of control.
29/09/13 Matt O'Sullivan/Sydney Morning Herald
