These rumours are both scurrilous and irresponsible, and we refuse them entirely. These speculations are nonsense and without any foundation. Etihad Airways and airberlin have a very strong relationship which is starting to show positive progress. Both airlines are wholly committed to their long-term partnership strategy. In terms of his contract, Mr Mehdorn will remain as chief executive till the end of 2013. It’s business as usual. airberlin is Germany’s second largest airline. The company has a workforce of 9,300 employees. Each year airberlin receives over 10 awards for service and quality. The fleet comprises 152 aircraft with an average age of five years, making it one of the most modern fleets in Europe. The airline\'s state-of-the-art jets are highly fuel-efficient, which contributes towards a long-term reduction in pollution emissions from aircraft. As one of the major European airlines, airberlin flies to 170 destinations in 40 countries. In 2011, over 35 million passengers were transported. In December 2011 airberlin entered into a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways. Since 20th March 2012 airberlin has been a full member of the global airline alliance oneworld®. airberlin operates codeshare flights with oneworld members American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and Japan Airlines.