Etihad eyes further investments as revenue to top €5bn

Etihad Airways — the Abu Dhabi-based carrier which has been on a recent acquisition spree — is eyeing further investments if the right opportunity arises, its chief executive said yesterday; adding 2012 revenue could top $5bn (€3.89bn) for the first time.

“We see further equity investments only if it’s the right opportunity, right partner, right market and right price,” James Hogan, Etihad’s chief executive said at an aviation conference in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Unlisted Etihad has been on an acquisition drive in recent months, taking minority equity stakes in Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus and raising its shareholding in Air Berlin and Air Seychelles.