Qatar Airways said it recently finalized an agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Italian airline Meridiana fly, paving the way for Qatar Airways to purchase 49 percent of Meridinia's shares.
“Qatar Airways continues to expand its business opportunities around the world, increasing travel options for our passengers while also enhancing our investment portfolio,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said. “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, the second largest carrier in Italy with extensive national and continental reach, has a fleet of Boeing 737s, 767s and MD-82s.
The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Air Show 2016, where Qatar Airways also announced the purchase of
three additional G650ER aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace, disclosed its
acquisition of up to 10 percent of LATAM Airline Group’s total shares through a
capital increase and won three Skytrax World Airline Awards, including the
World’s Best Business Class.
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