DOHA: Qatar Airways has announced that it has increased its shareholding in International Airlines Group (IAG) from just under 12 percent to 15.01 percent.
The investment update was announced at a global press conference in Atlanta where the airline was celebrating its launch of service from Doha to Atlanta. IAG is one of the world’s largest airline groups and is the holding company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker stated, “We have been very happy with our investment in IAG, from a financial, commercial and strategic perspective. We have decided to further deepen our relationship with IAG and the increased stake recognises the strengthening commercial ties between us.
“At Qatar Airways we fully support IAG’s ongoing strategy. IAG is very well positioned in Europe with attractive exposure to the transatlantic segment; leading positions at the London and Madrid hubs and the future benefits from the acquisition of Aer Lingus.”
Al Baker added that Qatar Airways may consider increasing its stake further over time within the allowable limits on non-European Union ownership.
The news follows an already exciting year of announcements for the Skytrax Worlds Best Airline having announced a significant network expansion of 14 new destinations at this year’s ITB Berlin – the world’s largest international travel fair.
Spread across four continents, the new routes will further expand the reach of the airline’s network, and will include the world’s longest flight, between Doha and Auckland, New Zealand.
The Peninsula
