Talks between the Tui Group and Etihad Aviation Group to form a “strong European leisure airline” have fallen through.
The two travel giants had been discussing a joint venture between Tui Fly and Niki, with the aim of forming the airline.
However, talks have come to an end with Tui saying it is still “open for a partnership or the formation of joint ventures serving the strategic goal of reshaping the market”.
Sebastian Ebel, member of Tui AG’s Executive Board in charge of Central Region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland) said: “A strong European leisure airline continues to make great strategic sense.
“After all, the aviation sector is characterised by overcapacity in Germany. However, Niki is no longer available for a joint venture.
“We will push the repositioning of TUI fly further ahead in order to develop long-term prospects for the airline and its employees.”