Article from BTNews 24 FEBRUARY 2020
Qatar snaps up a quarter of IAG
More than a quarter of British Airways’ parent International Airlines Group (IAG) is now owned by Qatar Airways Group after the Middle East company last week increased its shareholding from 21.4% to 25.1%.
Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Our investment to date has been highly successful and the announced increase in our shareholding is evidence of our continued support of IAG and its strategy.
“Qatar Airways continues to consider opportunities to invest in airlines and support management teams that share our vision to enhance travel opportunities for airline passengers across the globe.”
The Qatar move comes less than a month after IAG, a Spanish-registered company whose shares are traded on the London and Spanish stock exchanges, removed a cap on non-European Union investment imposed as part of Brexit preparations.
IAG is one of the world’s largest airline groups, with 573 aircraft flying to 268 destinations and carrying some 118m passengers annually. As well as BA, it includes Aer Lingus, Vueling, Iberia and Level, and has made a €1bn bid for Air Europa.
Please see "Middle East Flight Problems" in this issue. Both IAG and Qatar Airways are part of a combined oneworld stand at the Business Travel Show (stand B150 on the right as you enter the exhibition hall.)
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum