Etihad Airways moves forward with planned IPO

Etihad Airways taps more advisors for IPO this year: Emirati flag carrier Etihad Airways has reportedly tapped Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, and Morgan Stanley as joint bookrunners for its upcoming initial public offering, expected to take place the end of this year, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing people it says are familiar with the matter. The offering could raise as much as USD 1 bn, according to the sources, who did not disclose the specific size and timing of the IPO.

ICYMI- Etihad parent company ADQ held talks earlier in March with banks about the potential listing that sources said could be “as soon as this year.” The wealth fund previously chose Citigroup, HSBC, First Abu Dhabi Bank as advisors for the IPO, and appointed Rothschild & Co. as independent financial advisor. ADQ is eyeing potentially going after both a traditional IPO and direct listing.

Background: ADQ was transferred full ownership of Etihad from the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs back in October 2022. The airline last year saw its net income grow fivefold, with CEO Antonoaldo Neves saying it is boosting profitability to prepare for the likelihood of an IPO.

First legacy airline to go public in the Gulf? Etihad could be the first major Gulf carrier to trade publicly if the IPO goes through. Saudi low-cost airline Flynas is also preparing to go public this year, tapping Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Saudi Fransi Capital for its upcoming IPO in Riyadh.