Air Berlin said yesterday it would buy 14 Airbus A320 planes from Alitalia in a move designed by major shareholder Etihad to benefit both loss-making airlines.

“I can confirm that we are receiving 14 A320 family aircraft from Alitalia to speed up our transition to an Airbus-only fleet. The aircraft will be bought and then sold to leasing companies,” an Air Berlin spokesman said.

The spokesman, who was confirming a report in German business weekly WirtschaftsWoche, said the airline was still negotiating with potential leasing partners. He declined to comment on financial details.

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