Etihad Aviation Group and partners boost financing platform strategy to US$1.2bn

Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles and Alitalia have successfully raised a further US$500m in a second platform financing transaction, following the success of last year’s bond which raised US$700m. James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “With this second successful transaction, the international financial markets have continued to show their belief in the Etihad Airways Partners story. “Our equity partner strategy is creating a total which is greater than the sum of its parts, a grouping which can work together to improve revenues, reduce costs and uncover exciting new business synergies. “This transaction shows the strength of that grouping, as well as the strength of the individual members. This second tranche of combined fund-raising is part of our long term capital strategy.” The funds raised by the transaction will be again used largely for capital expenditure and investment in fleet, as well as for refinancing, depending on each individual airline’s needs. The funds have been raised through a special purpose vehicle, EA Partners II B.V. ADS Securities, Anoa Capital, Goldman Sachs International and Integrated Capital are acting as Placement Agents and Joint Bookrunners.