Abu Dhabi – Mubasher: Dubai-based airline Emirates on Wednesday has denied that it had a plan to acquire a stake in any airline after a report claimed two UAE carriers were considering buying a stake of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), given the Pakistani government is attempting to privatise its commercial air transportation services provider.

Emirates, the world's biggest long-haul airline, and its competitor Etihad “were showing great interest in PIA,” The Express Tribune reported, citing a Pakistani official as saying.

An Emirates spokesperson said that the airline “has no plans to buy or acquire any airline.”

"We continue to focus on our organic growth, and will partner with other airlines where it benefits our customers and makes commercial sense," he added.