Qatar Airways buys 5% of China Southern

Doha-based Qatar Airways released today that it bought 5% of China Southern as part of an on-market transaction.

Qatar Airways investment is part of its strategy to invest in the strongest airlines around the world and continue enhancing operations and network connectivity.

While Qatar Airways is part of Oneworld alliance, China Southern just officially left Skyteam, so we will look further on how the two airlines can work together in terms of connectivity.

Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker added, “China Southern Airlines is one of the most prestigious airlines in the Chinese domestic market and an important market player in the world, with massive potential for cooperation in the future. Given the complementary strengths and resources of each of China Southern Airlines and Qatar Airways, there are opportunities for us to work together and build a long term relationship in ways that would bring benefits to customers of both airlines. The investment is a clear demonstration of Qatar Airways’ continued commitment to connecting travellers across all corners of the world in a way that is meaningful and convenient. Qatar Airways very much looks forward to the opportunity to deepen our working relationship with this great airline and further enhance the travel opportunities across the globe.”

Qatar Airways has also 20% in International Airlines Group (BA, Iberia, Vueling), 10% in LATAM Group, 49% in Air Italy and 9.99% investment in Cathay Pacific. This makes Qatar Airways besides a global airline, a global investor in airlines.