DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has announced that it has increased its shareholding in International Airlines Group (IAG) from just under 12 per cent to 15.01 per cent.
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 His Excellency Mr. 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.”
Mr. 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.
About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 184 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways won Airline of the Year, Best Business Class Airline Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East at the 2015 Skytrax Awards. This is the third time the airline won the accolade of Airline of the Year.
Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.
In 2015 Qatar Airways launched Oryx One, an enhanced interface for its inflight entertainment system, increasing the number of movies and TV shows on board from 950 to up to 3,000. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the five-star airline’s on-board Wifi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 184 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330, nine Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.
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For further information contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 40222072, Fax: +974 40225350
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa