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 proud to be Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways has been awarded World’s Best Airline, World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
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.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest international 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