Golf carrier Etihad Airways was once on a shopping spree, taking stakes in airlines such as Air Berlin, Darwin Airline, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Air Seychelles and Air Serbia. With the exception of the last-named airline, the capital links have been dissolved or bankruptcies have followed. Etihad wants to remain on board Air Serbia.

The Serbian aviation company recently carried out a capital increase. This was provided entirely by the state as the majority owner. As a result, Etihad Airways' stake fell to 16,4 percent. It is speculated that the golf carrier could withdraw completely in the medium term.

At the company headquarters in Abu Dhabi, however, things are different. They want to stay on board with Air Serbia and also point out that this project has developed well. Today's Serbian carrier emerged from Jat Airways in 2013. At that time, Etihad got involved with 49 percent and the current name Air Serbia was born. Nothing remains of the former Etihad alliance, which also included Air Berlin, Darwin Airline, Niki and Alitalia.

Air Serbia also emphasizes the good cooperation with Etihad Airways and points out, among other things, that the Gulf carrier provided massive support in converting Jat Airways into today's airline. Etihad's representatives on the board of directors continue to play an active role in Air Serbia's further development today, the company said in a statement. The fact that the airline from Abu Dhabi did not participate in the capital increase is said to be due to the consequences of the corona pandemic.

Air Serbia emphasizes that the cooperation with Etihad Airways will remain in place and should be agreed on a long-term basis. The Serbian airline remains one of the last carriers in the world in which the state airline of Abu Dhabi will retain a stake. Recently, in the management area, some executives have been lost to Saudi Arabia. For example, Etihad boss Tony Douglas is switching to Ria. A new network carrier based in Riyadh is to be set up with state subsidies. This will be in direct competition with Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways. The start has now been announced for the coming year.