17 Sep 2015 12:00
Etihad Airways and its equity partner airlines have increased the funds raised from their unique platform financing transaction to US$ 700 million following a surge in demand from international financial institutions.
Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services,
airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Aliltalia and Jet Airways announced on Tuesday they had successfully raised US$ 500 million through the
transaction, which followed roadshows in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and London.
After unprecedented increased demand from
financial institutions in a range of markets, the airlines re-opened the
transaction and have raised an additional US$ 200 million, bringing the total
to US$ 700 million.
The funds, which will be split across the
seven businesses, will be used for a mixture of capital expenditure and
investment in fleet, as well as for refinancing, depending on each airline’s
individual needs.
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The
initial success of this transaction was a clear endorsement of the shared
vision and strategies of these businesses. Together, we are creating compelling
network and product offers for our customers, while cutting costs and sharing a
wide range of synergies.
“The additional demand we have seen over
the past 24 hours has been enough for us to re-open the transaction. These additional funds will allow this group
of airlines to accelerate further the realisation of this vision and these
strategies.
“Individually, each of these partners is
building an increasingly strong business.
But together, that strength is multiplied. This transaction recognises and endorses that
strength.”
Allocation of the funds raised will be
nearly 20 per cent each to Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services, airberlin
and Alitalia; 16 per cent to Jet Airways; and the remainder to Air Serbia and
Air Seychelles.