By Mohammad Shoeb
DOHA:The Farnborough International Airshow, which concluded yesterday, was marked by high-profile announcements by Qatar Airways. The national carrier’s mega deal announcements and showcasing of its two aircraft from its Qatar Executive fleet hit international headlines.
The airline hosted a capacity-crowd press conference as Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker (pictured) and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, Enrique Cueto, announced that Qatar Airways will enter into a subscription agreement enabling Qatar Airways to acquire up to 10 per cent of LATAM Airlines Group’s total shares, which will be acquired in connection with a capital increase. Both airlines are members of the oneworld airline alliance.
On the opening day of the airshow, Qatar Airways also announced an additional order for three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft that will join the existing three G650ER aircraft already in service as part of the Qatar Executive fleet, part of a 30-aircraft order announced in May 2015 by Qatar Airways and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.
Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is proud to have once again attended the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the leading aviation exhibitions in the world, the very same week we announced an operating profit of 8.6 percent for the fiscal year 2016. This airshow is the perfect location to showcase our Qatar Executive fleet, including the G650ER of which we have just purchased an additional three aircraft. This, together with the recognition from Skytrax — awarding us three accolades, including the World’s Best Business Class — is testament to our commitment to lead the industry in both service and on board products, allowing our passengers to experience the very best in travel and hospitality.”
He added: “Our investment in LATAM reaffirms our commitment to enhancing connectivity for our passengers across the world, while strengthening our own financial position after the recent success of our investment in IAG.”
On the sidelines of the airshow in the UK, Qatar Airways also announced that it has signed a contribution and shareholders agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Meridiana. The agreement provides for Qatar Airways to purchase 49 percent of Meridiana fly’s shares, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, before the closing which is planned for early October.
Meridiana is the second largest carrier in Italy, which connects the main Italian airports with Sardinia and provides connectivity with hubs in Europe as well as in the US and Africa. Meridiana’s fleet consists of Boeing 737s, 767s and MD-82s.
On the second day of the airshow, Qatar Airways accepted three separate accolades at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Global air travellers voted Qatar Airways as the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.
Visitors, including VIPs, trade partners and media were welcomed on board the Qatar Executive all business class Airbus A319 and Gulfstream G650ER to experience the bespoke interiors and craftsmanship of these two exceptional aircraft.
The Peninsula
By Mohammad Shoeb
DOHA:The Farnborough International Airshow, which concluded yesterday, was marked by high-profile announcements by Qatar Airways. The national carrier’s mega deal announcements and showcasing of its two aircraft from its Qatar Executive fleet hit international headlines.
The airline hosted a capacity-crowd press conference as Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker (pictured) and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, Enrique Cueto, announced that Qatar Airways will enter into a subscription agreement enabling Qatar Airways to acquire up to 10 per cent of LATAM Airlines Group’s total shares, which will be acquired in connection with a capital increase. Both airlines are members of the oneworld airline alliance.
On the opening day of the airshow, Qatar Airways also announced an additional order for three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft that will join the existing three G650ER aircraft already in service as part of the Qatar Executive fleet, part of a 30-aircraft order announced in May 2015 by Qatar Airways and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.
Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is proud to have once again attended the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the leading aviation exhibitions in the world, the very same week we announced an operating profit of 8.6 percent for the fiscal year 2016. This airshow is the perfect location to showcase our Qatar Executive fleet, including the G650ER of which we have just purchased an additional three aircraft. This, together with the recognition from Skytrax — awarding us three accolades, including the World’s Best Business Class — is testament to our commitment to lead the industry in both service and on board products, allowing our passengers to experience the very best in travel and hospitality.”
He added: “Our investment in LATAM reaffirms our commitment to enhancing connectivity for our passengers across the world, while strengthening our own financial position after the recent success of our investment in IAG.”
On the sidelines of the airshow in the UK, Qatar Airways also announced that it has signed a contribution and shareholders agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Meridiana. The agreement provides for Qatar Airways to purchase 49 percent of Meridiana fly’s shares, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, before the closing which is planned for early October.
Meridiana is the second largest carrier in Italy, which connects the main Italian airports with Sardinia and provides connectivity with hubs in Europe as well as in the US and Africa. Meridiana’s fleet consists of Boeing 737s, 767s and MD-82s.
On the second day of the airshow, Qatar Airways accepted three separate accolades at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Global air travellers voted Qatar Airways as the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and the Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.
Visitors, including VIPs, trade partners and media were welcomed on board the Qatar Executive all business class Airbus A319 and Gulfstream G650ER to experience the bespoke interiors and craftsmanship of these two exceptional aircraft.
The Peninsula
