Emirates chief downplays Etihad Airways merger talk

Emirates chairman and CE, Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said Wednesday that a merger with UAE rival Etihad Airways has never been discussed "in any way shape or form” but that carriers could share facilities and services. The airlines are in no talks concerning any purported mergers but are looking at ways to maximise cooperation with each other, the CE said. “A merger has never been discussed by the ownership in any way shape or form,” he said but added that there are other ways both airlines can extend cooperation with each other. Ahmed highlighted that a cooperation could emerge between the two airlines in terms of ground handling. “Dnata right now operates across the world, including in cities Etihad flies to,” he said. “That is something we can explore.” <br/>