Qatar Airways' IPO could be this year: CEO

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker announced the airline could launch its initial public offering as early as this year due to stronger-than-expected results at the company (AFP, 24-Jun-2011). "As the performance of the airline improves, the closer it will be for IPO," the CEO said. "It could be this year, it could be next year, it could be the year after. But it will definitely be earlier than people expect," he added. He also said the company has appointed advisers for the process. In Apr-2011, Mr Al-Baker said the carrier was considering a dual listing in 2013 or 2014 on the London and Doha exchanges. Mr Al-Baker has previously said that the company would go public after three consecutive years of profit. Qatar Airways reported a net profit of USD205 million in FY2010 and USD320 in FY2011.