11-Mar-2011 12:25 PM
Qatar Airways considers airline acquisitions in 2011
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker stated the carrier is considering acquisition and could enter an agreement as early as 2011 (Financial Times Deutschland/Reuters/Bloomberg, 10-Mar-2011). "It is very well possible that we will buy shares in another airline. Precondition is that it has a strong network and can help us to become a more global actor," he said. The CEO added that the carrier could make any acquisition in the coming years, without disclosing the names of any potential acquisition targets. Mr Al Baker added that the carrier has "sufficient cash" for the acquisitions. The carrier could be prepared to purchase 49.9% of a European carrier, he added.