Etihad Airways has said it is “comfortable with the process of review” by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (Foca) concerning an agreement to acquire 33.3% of Swiss carrier Darwin Airline.
A statement from the Abu Dhabi airline said it was advised in June by Foca that changes to the agreement would be needed to secure regulatory approval.
Since then it has been working with Foca and is amending the agreement to ensure it complies with regulations.
Darwin Airline was rebranded as Etihad Regional as part of Etihad’s strategy of taking minority stakes in other airlines. It already owns stakes in carriers including Air Berlin, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus.
Earlier this month, it confirmed a deal to take a 49% stake in ailing Italian flag carrier Alitalia.
Etihad chief executive James Hogan said: “We are comfortable with Foca’s review and understand and support the need for there to be absolute clarity that Etihad Airways does not, cannot and will not exercise control over Darwin Airline.
“While our initial agreement has required amendment, we are seeking, as any minority investor would, protection for our investment. This is about protection, not control.
“Etihad Regional was, and will continue to be, majority owned by Swiss shareholders and operated by Swiss management.”