Qatar Airways has signed an agreement to purchase 49% of Italian airline Meridiana, the national carrier said on Thursday.

 “The agreement provides for Qatar Airways to purchase 49% of Meridiana fly’s shares, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, before the closing which is planned for early October,” the airline said.
Qatar Airways signed the agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Meridiana.
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 US and Africa. Meridiana’s fleet consists of Boeing 737s, 767s and MD-82s.
The announcement follows a successful and busy week at the Farnborough International Airshow, where Qatar Airways also disclosed that it is to acquire up to 10% 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, while winning three Skytrax World Airline Awards, including the World’s Best Business Class.
Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 188 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.
Qatar Airways is also a member of the oneworld global alliance.