QA in final stage of equity investment in southern African airline

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways is in the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in southern Africa, as the state owned airline drives its expan...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways is in the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in southern Africa, as the state-owned airline drives its expansion on the continent.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled “Connecting the Middle East and Africa” at the Qatar Economic Forum yesterday, Qatar Airways Group CEO, Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “We are at the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in the southern part of Africa. This airline will help us complement the operation of Kigali as a hub.”

Eng Al Meer explained that the deal would be announced within two to three weeks.

Although he did not disclose the target of Qatar Airways’ equity stake investment, he mentioned that southern Africa has only two or three airlines to choose from.

He noted that the state-owned airline has a vast network in Africa, serving more than 30 destinations.