Etihad Airways says pilots can take jobs with Emirates

Etihad Airways confirmed Sunday it has extended its ties with rival Emirates airline, allowing its pilots to take up opportunities in the Dubai-based carrier for as long as 2 years. The programme allows Etihad pilots to fly for Emirates and receive full benefits and salaries from the latter, according to an internal memo from Etihad. Any pilot flying for Emirates would have to take a leave of absence but would continue to retain their seniority with Etihad. The move is the second by the airlines to collaborate, after Etihad Aviation Group and Emirates Group Security signed a deal to cooperate in aviation security in January this year. Emirates and Etihad have said they are exploring closer ties with each other in areas where it makes sense, but the two deny speculations that they will merge. <br/>