Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles and Alitalia recently raised $500
million in a platform financing transaction, which, combined with the success
of an award-winning bond last year, brings their total to $1.2 billion.
“With this second successful
transaction, the international financial markets have continued to show their
belief in the Etihad Airways Partners story,” James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, said. “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.”
The funding will mostly go toward capital
expenditure and fleet investment. Dependent on the needs of the individual
airlines, some of it will also be used for refinancing. The partnership shared
its vision for the group, including growing network connection, business
synergy projects and revenue development initiatives with investors at road
shows in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and investor calls with markets in London, mainland Europe and Asia.
“This transaction shows the strength
of that grouping, as well as the strength of the individual members,” Hogan said. “This
second tranche of combined fundraising is part of our long term capital
strategy.”
