Originally Posted by
SeeBuyFly
Alternatively, it may be that the rumors heard over the years originated from negotiations under way. If so, when it actually happens, it won't be a matter of "apply and you're approved" but the end point of a long process. (If AI can get into *A, how tough can the process really be?)
Etihad joining *A was a hot topic last July when the Lufthansa group picked up Air Berlin carcass. So far it seems some shady deals were made to get money back by undisclosed codeshare deals in Europe and MRO deals to utilize the workshop in AUH. Joining any alliance would be rather costly and Etihad has to unwind its association with AF-KL and equity participation in AZ. They just increased their stake in 9W, who is a direct rival to potential *A partner AI.
Speaking of AI, their integration into *A took over 5 years and was called off at least twice.