Gulf airlines eye partnerships

Etihad Airways is looking to buy stakes in European and Asian airlines in order to cement partnerships that would enable the carrier to offer a bigger choice of destinations. Qatar Airways is also interested in purchasing stakes in other airlines after buying a 35 per cent shareholding in Cargolux, the Luxembourg-based cargo carrier, in September. James Hogan, Etihad's chief executive, said the airline would consider buying minority stakes in other carriers so as to form long-term partnerships. Etihad has a fleet of 63 aircraft flying to 86 destinations, but its code-share agreements with other carriers enable the airline to provide passengers with access to 118 additional cities. Qatar Airways has a fleet of 102 aircraft flying to 109 destinations, and Akbar Al Baker, chief executive, said the carrier was interested in buying minority stakes in more airlines following the Cargolux deal. The amount Qatar Airways paid for its 35 per cent stake in Cargolux has not been disclosed.