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Etihad Airways has hinted at an imminent expansion of its relationship with Aer Lingus.

Speaking in London yesterday, Etihad president and CEO James Hogan, reiterated his airline’s interest in the Irish government’s 25% stake in Aer Lingus, which it plans to sell off.

But, speaking to Air Transport World, Hogan said Etihad haven’t been approached about it and until the sale’s been timetabled he wouldn’t comment further.

The CEO also told the magazine that Etihad’s Abu Dhabi to Dublin route has been “very successful” for them and “more developments” will be seen “in the coming weeks”.

Earlier this year Etihad bought a stake of just under 3% in Aer Lingus.