Qatar Airways lifts stake in International Consolidated Airlines to 15.01%

Qatar Airways has piloted its stake in International Consolidated Airlines up to 15.01%, and may mull acquiring more of the British Airways-owner over time.

It said the increased stake recognised the strengthening commercial and strategic ties between the pair.

Qatar Airways said IAG was very well positioned in Europe on the back of its attractive exposure to the Transatlantic segment, its leading positions at the London and Madrid hubs and the future benefits from the acquisition ‎of Aer Lingus.

The state-owned airline, which is the Middle East’s second biggest, fully supported this ongoing strategy.

Non-EU shareholders of IAG, including Qatar Airways, are subject to an overall cap on non-EU ownership as a result of the requirement for EU airlines to be majority owned by EU shareholders.

Qatar Airways may consider increasing its stake further over time within the allowable limits, it added.

In 2013, the State of Qatar took ownership of Qatar Airways when the Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund bought out former Prime Minister Shaikh Hamad Bin Jasem Al Thani and other private investors.