Etihad's CEO Hogan says No to any Alitalia tie up

Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan has refuted media rumours that his airline is interested in investing in struggling Italian carrier, Alitalia. 

During a Q&A session with the press at the ongoing FVW Kongress in Cologne, Germany, Mr Hogan said Etihad was open to further strategic partnerships, but only "if they add value". 

In light of his airline's recent buy-ins of various loss-making airlines, Mr Hogan noted that his airline was "not a bank". Alitalia had been linked to talks with the Emiratis earlier in the year, raising hopes that Abu Dhabi and Rome would reach an agreement which would see the debt-ridden airline thrown a vital lifeline.

Source: CH-Aviation