Troubled Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines has confirmed it is “in discussion with various investors, including Etihad Airways, for equity investments in the company”.
Local media reports suggest Etihad is looking to take a 48 per cent stake in Kingfisher, although this has not been confirmed by either carrier.
Kingfisher’s operations have been suspended since October due to staff protests and the refusal of banks to grant the company fresh loans – the carrier’s scheduled operator's permit remains suspended by the Indian Director General of Civil Aviation.
Kingfisher Airlines launched in 2005, with international flights to the UK commencing in 2008, but the carrier dropped flights to London from Delhi and Mumbai earlier this year.
Kingfisher had been due to join the Oneworld alliance, but its membership was put on hold in February this year.
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