Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) is reportedly in discussions with Swiss regional carrier Darwin Airline (Lugano) to buy a minority stake in Darwin. According to a report by the Corriere del Ticino, Darwin chief executive Maurizio Merlo has confirmed a recent visit by an Etihad delegation to Lugano. Etihad is interested in positioning Darwin as a feeder carrier for its own flights and its European "equity alliance" partners. Darwin currently operates ten Saab 2000s and wet-leases two ATR72-200s from other carriers. It is currently reviewing potential fleet replacement options including the ATR72-600.