Air Berlin - seeking cash looks to Etihad

Air Berlin which has big ambitions but far less stellar performance than its fellow members of the big 3 LCC club. (AB+FR+EZ)

It market cap is actually quite low - be far the lowest of the 3. While its hybrid model has great potential - it remains largely a reverse camel - a committee organized by a bunch of donkey largely from the acquisitions.

So to address its perennial lack of capital - it has started discussions with Etihad to create a liaison - dangerous or otherwise - to shore up its balance sheet.

This would mark the second time in as many weeks that Etihad's name has been linked to a major European carrier - the other one being Olympic.

I didn't see the synergy then - I don't see it now.

Would some one care to enlighten me?

Cheers