Emirates denies buying stake in South African Airways!

• The two airlines are working on enhancing codeshare agreement.

Emirates has denied any plan to buy stake in South African Airways and has said that it would rather focus on organic growth.

The Dubai-based carrier's spokesperson said the two airlines are working on enhancing codeshare agreement.

"We are committed to the South African market and have enjoyed close co-operation with South African Airways (SAA) since 1997, and we are working closely to further enhance our codeshare. However, we have no plans to invest or take any equity share in SAA or any other airline," the spokesperson said in a statement to Khaleej Times.Quoting UAE ambassador to South Africa, Johannesburg-based newspaper City Press reported that the two UAE airlines - Emirates and Etihad Airways - had held talks with South African Airways about a partnership.

South African carrier is struggling financially and has sought urgent need for partners to revive its business.

Dubai's Emirates said it continues to focus on its organic growth and strategic codeshare partnerships where it makes sense for its business and customers.

However, Etihad Airways declined to comment in a query to Bloomberg.