Airbus is already working on an all-electric two-seater plane hoping this technology will serve as a step to bringing electric motors on to larger aircraft.
Etihad has so far refused to negotiate with Italy’s unions, which have sunk negotiations between Alitalia and other bidders in the past.
New additions include executives from Air Canada and Air New Zealand.
The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has been looking at Alitalia’s books for a possible investment since the start of the year.
The UAE carrier said the deal was the starting point of further negotiations, raising the possibility of a codeshare or equity partnership with Fiji in the future.
The Sharjah-based low-cost carrier has been designated the new airline of Ras Al Khaimah following the closure of RAK Airways.
The airline’s growth in revenue was aided by an increase in passengers resulting from its codeshare and equity partnerships.
Minister wants to ‘turbo charge’ investment opportunities on back of abundant air links
Move likely to be welcomed by resident and transfer passengers but both airports will be under scrutiny
Emirates, which may appeal the decision, started to fly the Malpensa-New York route in October last year.
The reduction follows ongoing political unrest in Ukraine.
The Gulf carrier is expected to give a proposal to the Italian airline soon to start formal talks on the potential investment.
German media reports last month said the UAE-based airline could increase its stake in Air Berlin to 49.9 per cent from the current 30 per cent.
The region saw the strongest passenger growth worldwide, IATA said.
AerLift Leasing was established in 2010, with Waha Capital owning a 60.7 per cent stake.
Etihad has finished reviewing Alitalia’s books as it considers whether to invest as much as 300 million euros via a capital increase, sources say.
A carrier must be more than 50 per cent owned and “effectively controlled” by an EU member state or EU citizens to obtain an operating license.
The Emirates App will allow passengers to manage their booking, check in online and download their boarding pass.
Flynas currently carries three million passengers annually and claims 15-18 per cent of the domestic air travel market.
Doha carrier looks to attract two-way traffic with new Oneworld member US Airways as it launches fifth US destination
The low-cost airline said all flights to and from Dubai between May 1- July 20 will operate out of Sharjah.
The expansion is part of British Airways’ investment in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
Fast-growing airport must keep up with Etihad’s growth ahead of Midfield Terminal Building’s launch
The carrier’s annual loss widened by 16 per cent to OMR113.34 million in 2013.
Dubai carrier’s double-decker fleet now the size of some international airlines
Etihad will take delivery of 18 aircraft this year that include 10 Airbus aircraft and eight Boeing planes.
Etihad’s chief executive confirmed that the initial loan of $40 billion to Air Serbia will be converted to equity.
Dubai on track to overtake London Heathrow as the world’s premier international passenger airport by 2015
Doha carrier looks to capitalise on Djibouti’s rising commercial profile
Dubai carrier makes unusual move and decides to drop new route