QATAR AIRWAYS BUYS STAKE IN AFRICAN AIRLINES

From Doha to the rest of the world, starting in Africa. It seems as if that’s the strategy behind Qatar Airways’ expansion plans as they’ve recently bought a 25% stake in South Africa’s Airlink.

The aim of the deal is for Qatar Airways to expand its presence on the continent. This was announced by the airline in a statement. The financial injection will allow Airlink to increase its capacity and expand its marketing reach.

Having a dedicated local airline means Qatar Airways can offer flights reaching far beyond the borders of South Africa.

But, it’s not the only African-based airline they’ve recently acquired.

Qatar Airways is currently in talks to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir as well as a 60% stake in a new airport that’s currently under construction near Rwanda’s capital.

As if Africa isn’t enough, the carrier is also the largest shareholder of IAG SA, the owner of British Airways. Qatar Airways also has stakes in Latam Airlines Group SA as well as Cathay Pacific Airways.

In June, the first reports started doing the rounds that Qatar Airways had bought 20% of Virgin Australia.

With the recent acquisitions, Qatar Airways has increased its footprint globally.

Image credit: Qatar Airways