Qatar ruled out of a bid for Virgin but has another airline in its sights

Qatar Airways has ruled itself out of any bid for a share in Virgin Atlantic according to airline management magazine Airline Business but in an interview with the magazine Qatar boss Akbar Al Baker confirmed the airline is in dialogue about acquiring a stake in an unidentified carrier.
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He also said that he would be open to selling a minority shareholding to one of the international airline groups when the carrier launches its planned flotation.

The respected magazine quotes chief executive Al Baker as saying he would be open to selling a minority shareholding to one of the international airline groups when the carrier launches its planned flotation and also said he is often approached by airlines about partnerships or deeper relationships - most recently Olympic - but is wary of jumping straight into a tie-up if there is no obvious benefit to Qatar Airways.

"We would be interested to buy a going concern that is profitable and doesn't need our management time. But I'm not interested in an airline that is in financial trouble and needs restructuring," he told the magazine

There has been speculation that Cargolux is the airline that Qatar Airways is talking to, with regards to the acquisition of a 35% stake.

 

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