#QatarAirways building their own global partnerships – relentlessly

QATAR AIRWAYS ACQUIRES AN INITIAL 5 PERCENT STAKE IN CHINA SOUTHERN

(Posted 02nd January 2019)

The Qatar Airways Group earlier today confirmed that as part of its strategy to invest in the strongest airlines around the world and continue enhancing operations and network connectivity, on 28th of December 2018, it has completed an on-market purchase of certain A shares and H shares of China Southern Airlines Company Limited ("China Southern Airlines"), resulting in their aggregate holding of approximately 5.00% of the total issued share capital of China Southern Airlines.

Qatar Airways’ Chairman His Excellency Mr Ali Shareef Al Emadi said, "Qatar Airways regards our shareholding in China Southern Airlines as an important part of our strategic investment in the largest airline in one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets.”

Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker added, “China Southern Airlines is one of the most prestigious airlines in the Chinese domestic market and an important market player in the world, with massive potential for cooperation in the future. Given the complementary strengths and resources of each of China Southern Airlines and Qatar Airways, there are opportunities for us to work together and build a long term relationship in ways that would bring benefits to customers of both airlines. The investment is a clear demonstration of Qatar Airways’ continued commitment to connecting travellers across all corners of the world in a way that is meaningful and convenient. Qatar Airways very much looks forward to the opportunity to deepen our working relationship with this great airline and further enhance the travel opportunities across the globe."

This investment further strengthens Qatar Airways’ investment strategy which already includes its 20% investment in International Airlines Group (key members are British Airways, Vueling and Iberia among others), its 10% investment in LATAM Airlines Group, its 49% investment in Air Italy and its 9.99% investment in Cathay Pacific.
Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 160 key business and leisure destinations globally on more than 200 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 15 Boeing 777 freighters and eight Airbus A330 freighters.

In East Africa does Qatar Airways fly daily from Doha to Entebbe and on to Kigali, serves Nairobi three times a day, flies four times a week to Mombasa and in Tanzania connects to Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.