Etihad Aviation Group has terminated negotiations with TUI AG , in relation to a potential joint venture involving the leisure operations of Air Berlin Group and the German TUIfly company, the airline has confirmed.

In a statment released earlier today, Etihad said the decision was taken following many months of negotiations, in good faith, during which time the parties have been unable to reach agreement on the final nature of such a joint venture.

The leisure operations of Air Berlin group will now continue to operate as a separate business unit, under the Niki brand. Further details of this structure will be announced in due course by Air Berlin.

Niki’s operating schedule remains unchanged with all bookings being honoured. Customers should contact Niki directly for any further information, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service