Middle Eastern carrier Emirates' management insists it has not received any indications from its Government owners regarding a possible tie-up with neighbouring carrier Etihad Airways.
Suggestions have emerged over the past few days that the United Arab Emirates carriers could be considering tighter forms of co-operation.
But Dubai-based Emirates Airline's president, Tim Clark, tells ATI: "We have had no instructions, intimations or guidance from our owners, whatsoever."
Speculation has increased over Dubai debt levels, which reportedly exceed its gross domestic product, and whether oil-rich Abu Dhabi could step in to pick up shareholdings in Dubai-based companies.
"Rumours abound and this is one of many," says Clark.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is firmly denying that any discussions are taking place over a link with Emirates.
"Etihad's policy is normally not to comment on speculation. However, in this case we can categorically state that there are no talks - either fomal or informal - about any possible merger and acquisition activity between Etihad Airways and Emirates," insists a spokesman for Etihad.
Last year Etihad stated that it was examining the potential for co-operation with Emirates, to take advantage of combined purchasing power, although this was limited to non-competitive areas.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
