Doha-based airline in final stage of an equity investment and will announce a deal within two to three weeks, says CEO
15 May 2024 - 19:13
byReuters
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Seoul — Qatar Airways will soon announce an investment in an airline in Southern Africa, its CEO said on Wednesday, part of the Gulf carrier’s drive to expand its network in Africa.
“We are at the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in the southern part of Africa,” Badr Mohammed Al Meer said on a panel at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, saying the deal could be announced in the next two to three weeks.
Meer, who became CEO in November, said the southern part of Africa was a gap in Qatar Airways’ network coverage on the continent.
He said that Qatar Airways wanted to expand the fleets of its partner airlines in Africa to improve connectivity.
Qatar Airways in 2019 took a 60% stake in a new $1.3bn international airport being built in Rwanda and has code share agreements with several airlines in Africa including Rwandair.
Rwandair CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo, speaking in Doha, said the airport could be incorporated in about 2027-28.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Qatar Airways eyes Southern Africa
Doha-based airline in final stage of an equity investment and will announce a deal within two to three weeks, says CEO
Seoul — Qatar Airways will soon announce an investment in an airline in Southern Africa, its CEO said on Wednesday, part of the Gulf carrier’s drive to expand its network in Africa.
“We are at the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in the southern part of Africa,” Badr Mohammed Al Meer said on a panel at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, saying the deal could be announced in the next two to three weeks.
Meer, who became CEO in November, said the southern part of Africa was a gap in Qatar Airways’ network coverage on the continent.
He said that Qatar Airways wanted to expand the fleets of its partner airlines in Africa to improve connectivity.
Qatar Airways in 2019 took a 60% stake in a new $1.3bn international airport being built in Rwanda and has code share agreements with several airlines in Africa including Rwandair.
Rwandair CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo, speaking in Doha, said the airport could be incorporated in about 2027-28.
Reuters
Kenya Airways makes first operating profit since 2017
SAA’s R3bn deal with Takatso falls apart
No fatal aviation losses for Africa in 2023, industry report shows
Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker to retire after 27 years at helm
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.