Etihad Airways, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary of operations, has recorded its strongest ever passenger for a first quarter. The Abu Dhabi-based airline posted Q1 2013 passenger revenues of US$900 million (2012: US$758 million), an increase of 19 per cent.

Etihad Airways has confirmed it would be “happy” to discuss the acquisition of the stake presently held by Ryanair in Irish flag-carrier Aer Lingus. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad took a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus in April. Ryanair presently owns 29.82 per cent of Aer Lingus and is presently attempting a full take over of the carrier. It has twice been rebuffed in the past.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and airberlin, Europe’s sixth biggest carrier, recently announced a significant increase in services between Abu Dhabi and both Germany and Thailand. From March 25, 2012; airberlin will operate three daily services to Abu Dhabi, including direct daily flights from two German hubs – Berlin and Düsseldorf – to the UAE capital. In addition and subject to government approval,

Aer Lingus share price rose by more that 6 per cent on Thursday after Etihad Airways, the Middle East’s third-largest carrier, said it may invest in the Irish airline. Etihad Airways posted a first annual profit and said it is mulling further purchases following an investment in Air Berlin Plc, with Ireland’s Aer Lingus Group Plc being monitored. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is "looking at a range of carriers" and would seriously consider one or two global opportunities to help feed its network, James Hogan,