Etihad Airways' partner airline Air Seychelles yesterday announced the resignation of Cramer Ball, its chief executive, amid speculation he will take the top job at India's Jet Airways.
Air Seychelles, in which Etihad owns a 40 per cent equity stake, said that Mr Ball would step down from his position when the airline announces its full financial results late next month.
Mr Ball is regarded as a possible CEO for Jet, in which Etihad owns a 24 per cent stake, following the resignation of Garry Toomey on January 16 after just six months in the job.
"Certainly Cramer has demonstrated his ability to turn an airline around and grow it while keeping close links with Etihad," said Will Horton, senior analyst at Capa - Centre for Aviation.
"It wouldn't be surprising for him to stay within the greater Etihad family."
Etihad declined to comment.
Mr Ball said he was "considering a number of career options and would hope to be in a position to provide an update in the near future".
Etihad acquired its stake in Air Seychelles in January 2012 in a deal worth US$45 million.
International passenger numbers on the Air Seychelles fleet grew by 91 per cent to 55,238 in the third quarter of last year, while domestic traffic grew by 42 per cent to 99,946 in the same period.
jeverington@thenational.ae