Etihad Airways Partners - how come VA is not a part :(

[ap_spd]

With this evenings launch of Etihad Airways Partners as a viable alternative to OS, SA and Skyteam what can be the possible cause of VA being left out, especially given this recent news article Cookies must be enabled. | The Australian

Any guesses ? and can we see VA joining Etihad Partners

 

[vmile]

Well did not VA just sell a large chunk of their FFP to an equity firm? Perhaps they will need to be consulted?

What about AZ. Etihad now own half. And they really need a good FFP....

Perhaps the six airlines listed are basically owned by Eithad, not just part owned ??????

Time will tell; be patient.

 

[dajop]

Probably because they have two other owners as well, one in particular who almost certainly sees EY as a threat. With the recent announcement of the ability to swap KF miles into velocity and vice versa I am sure this is also a reason to keep them separate. Remember the EY alliance isn't just about mutual recognition of status and awards it's also about alignment of qualification criteria, and earn and burn rates.