EC’s investigation into Etihad’s Air Serbia stake gets approval

The European Commission’s (EC) investigation into Etihad’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Air Serbia which occurred on August 1, 2013 has concluded it is totally compliant with all EU regulations according to results delivered on July 8. Etihad has a substantial portfolio of equity alliances, including Alitalia (49%), Air Seychelles (40%), Darwin Airline (34%), airberlin (29.21%), Virgin Australia (24.2%) and Jet Airways (24%).
According to information released by an anonymous source, “On the basis of available information and analyses conducted, the [EC] services concur with the Serbian authorities as regards compliance with EU rules. However, these views are assorted with a number of suggestions as to some elements on which future scrutiny by the Serbian authorities should particularly focus to ensure future compliance.” It is understood the EC will issue interpretive guidelines on ownership and control by the end of the year.
Etihad’s investment was in the previously named Jat Airways, which was renamed Air Serbia in October, 2013, its inaugural flight under the new name taking place between Belgrade and Abu Dhabi on 26 August, 2016. The airline currently operates a fleet of 22 aircraft, including eight Airbus A319-100s, two Airbus A320-200s and four Boeing 737-300s, with ten Airbus A320neos on order with delivery expected between 2018 and 2020.