Qatar Airways deepens ties with IAG
aTP- Arab tourism portal- Qatar Airways Group, already the largest shareholder in IAG, recently increased its stake in International Airlines Group (IAG) to 15 percent, signifying the Group’s strategic direction in investing in other airline companies.
IAG, one of the world’s largest airline groups, with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling, is also one of the world’s most successful airline companies, with 274 destinations and a fleet of 533 aircraft. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker , said: “Aligning Qatar Airways Group more closely with IAG offers unrivalled benefits on an operational, financial and strategic level.
Procurement synergies and other opportunities will greatly enhance Qatar Airways Group results, and we look forward to a deepening relationship with the IAG member airlines, for the benefit of our mutual customers.
”Qatar Airways Group continues to grow organically, adding on average one new aircraft every 10 days, while also seeking expansion through strategic investments around the world.Qatar Airways now serves more than 150 destinations with a fleet of 184 aircraft.
Qatar Airways is also negotiating an investment in Meridiana, the Italian-based airline with service to 51 destinations in Europe. Al Baker said: “We are interested in partnerships that provide value to Qatar Airways and our customers, and only in those airlines where we have influence to ensure the customer experience meets our very high expectations.”
Qatar Airways Group initially secured a nine per cent investment in IAG in 2015, and recently increased that stake to approximately 12 percent. The Group announced the increase of its investment to 15 per cent on Tuesday, May 17.
