Etihad expresses interest in Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus share price rose by more that 6% yesterday after Etihad Airways, the Middle East’s third-largest carrier, said it may invest in the Irish airline.

Etihad Airways posted a first annual profit and said it is mulling further purchases following an investment in Air Berlin Plc, with Ireland’s Aer Lingus Group Plc being monitored.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is “looking at a range of carriers” and would seriously consider one or two global opportunities to help feed its network, chief executive officer James Hogan said yesterday, adding that there are no advanced talks. Aer Lingus shares closed 5.2% up yesterday.