Kingfisher Airlines on Tuesday said it is in discussions with several investors for equity partnership, including Gulf-based Etihad Airways, but denied any deal with any of them, even as it
lost five more aircraft due to non-payment of lease rentals and tax dues.
"We would like to clarify that the company is in discussions with various investors, including Etihad Airways, for equity investments," Kingfisher said in a filing to BSE.
"However, no agreement has been reached either with Etihad or any other airline and the matters are merely at negotiation stages," the statement said.
The company has been attempting to raise much-needed capital over the last two years, pursuant to shareholders' resolutions approving the same and duly reported to the stock exchanges, it said, adding that it has been widely reported in the media.
Reports had earlier said that the Vijay Mallya-owned carrier is all set to sign a deal with Etihad to sell 48 per cent stake for Rs 3,000 crore.
Reacting to the news, the market lapped up Kingfisher stock that closed on the
BSE at Rs 15.67, up 5 per cent - the maximum it can move in a day as per the exchange norms.
Kingfisher has a market capitalisation of Rs 1,267.23 crore as of Tuesday. Meanwhile, amidst reports of a revival plan before the month-end, the airlines' troubles compounded further with a US-based leasing company taking back four of its aircraft following non-payment of lease rentals.
Besides, the service tax department confiscated an ATR plane from the carrier for defaulting on tax dues.
Special 
