Middles East carrier, Qatar Airways has increased its stake in Air Lingus-owner IAG to 25.1 % with a whopping £465 million.
The carrier had previously held 21.4% stake of IAG.
According to a report by rte.ie, the airline said its investment in the British aviation group, which also owns British Airways and Iberia, had been highly successful and it continued to support the group 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,” said Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker in a statement.
Qatar first invested in IAG in 2015, buying 9.99% of the company, and has steadily increased it since then.
It also owns stakes in China Southern and Cathay Pacific, and said earlier this month it was in talks about doubling its holding in LATAM Airlines Group to 20% and buying a 49% stake in Africa’s RwandAir.
Last year, the gulf carrier, acquired 49% stake in Rwanda’s national carrier, Rwand Air as it prepares to deepen it African operation in the aviation industry.
According to atqnews.com, Qatar Airways is lining itself up with a number of African ventures in the coming months and years. It’s also expressed an interest in Royal Air Maroc.
