Etihad Airways is close to hiring financial advisers to look into strategic options for its stake in Air Berlin, including a potential sale, people familiar with the matter said. The plan is part of a broader review into its equity holdings in struggling airlines, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private. No final decisions have been made and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad may still decide to keep its holding, they said. A representative for Etihad declined to comment. A representative for Air Berlin declined to comment and referred questions to Etihad. Air Berlin has a market capitalization of about E109m, valuing Etihad’s stake at E32m. Its total exposure, including loans and bond purchases, is much higher, at close to E2b. Etihad acquired 29.2% in Air Berlin in 2011, and has had to bail out the airline several times. Etihad is reviewing its airline partnerships after spending billions keeping Air Berlin and Alitalia afloat.<br/>