Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has acquired a 3.96 percent stake in Virgin Australia Holdings, the company said in a statement Tuesday. Etihad Airways believes that the equity investment in Virgin Australia's domestic operations significantly strengthens the 10-year strategic partnership forged by the two carriers in August 2010 and will enrich the commercial benefits which the alliance already provides for both airlines as well as increasing the benefits to Australian consumers and visitors to Australia. Together, Etihad Airways (21) and V Australia (3) operate 24 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Australia and passengers have access to a combined network of more than 150 destinations. Last month Etihad Airways leased a Virgin Australia Boeing 777-300ER for use on its route between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. Etihad Airways began flying to Australia in March, 2007 when it launched services to Sydney. Melbourne and Brisbane were quickly added.
