As reported in the Balkan Business media, the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker clarified speculation that the Qatari carrier could look into purchasing a minority stake in an airline in the region and follow the example of its Middle Eastern rival Etihad Airways. Mr. Al Baker says the airline is “actively discussing opportunities” with other passenger carriers. “When we see that there are strong synergies between the two carriers we are open to investment”, Mr. Al Baker says.
The outspoken Qatar Airways CEO has disclosed that Qatar Airways was offered the unprofitable Olympic Airlines, Air Seychelles and “even Air Serbia”, while Alitalia, which has suffered years of losses, has indicated its availability “several times over the past five years”.
