Etihad shrugs off impact of EU rules plan

Etihad Airways’ boss has shrugged off a proposed overhaul of strict EU airline ownership laws, insisting the Gulf giant can still benefit from the current regime even if the rules remain in place.

European policymakers are mulling plans to ease restrictions on overseas firms owning more than 49% of flag carriers to put Gulf operators like Etihad on a level footing with European firms.

Etihad, which sponsors Manchester City, unveiled a multi-million euro rebrand of key subsidiary Alitalia, the Italian flag carrier it owns 49% of.

Boss James Hogan said: “[Alitalia] Management is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business so whether it’s 49% or 55% it doesn’t really matter.”

It comes as Qatar Airways lifted its stake in British Airways owner IAG to 15% on Tuesday.