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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, confirmed it had acquired a 2.987 per cent stake in Aer Lingus.

The airline said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with the Irish national carrier.

Etihad Airways believes a possible partnership could produce significant commercial benefits for both airlines.

Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two capitals since it began flying the route in July, 2007.

The airline has a premium lounge at Dublin Airport, an engineering maintenance facility and has conducted recruitment drives across the country.  It also recently renewed its sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association, signing a five-year deal.

Etihad Airways has strategic codeshare partnerships with 34 airlines around the world.

Source: Etihad Airways