ROME: Qatar Airways announced on Thursday that it has signed a contribution and shareholders agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Italian airline Meridiana. The agreement provides for Qatar Airways to purchase 49 percent of Meridiana shares, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, before the closing which is planned for early October.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways continues to expand its business opportunities around the world, increasing travel options for our passengers while also enhancing our investment portfolio. “This agreement sets the path to progress our work towards a strong resolution that benefits both the staff and passengers who travel with Meridiana fly.”
Meridiana is the second largest carrier in Italy, with an extensive national and European network, which connects the main Italian airports with Sardinia and provides connectivity with hubs in Europe as well as in the U. and Africa. The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow, where Qatar Airways also disclosed that it is to acquire up to 10 percent of LATAM Airline Group’s total shares through a capital increase. At the Airshow, Qatar Airways also announced the purchase of three additional G650ER aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace.
