Qatar Airways has concluded its participation in Farnborough International Airshow 2016.
In a statement yesterday, the Doha-based carrier said it “made headline news” at this year’s Farnborough Airshow with a number of “high-profile” announcements, showcasing two aircraft from its Qatar Executive fleet and hosting visitors both at its chalet and on board the luxury aircraft.
The airline hosted a press conference, where Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker and LATAM Airlines Group CEO Enrique Cueto announced that Qatar Airways would enter into a subscription agreement enabling it to acquire up to 10% LATAM Airlines Group’s total shares, which would be acquired in connection with a capital increase. Both airlines are members of the oneworld alliance.
On the opening day of the airshow, Qatar Airways also announced an additional order for three Gulfstream G650ER aircraft that would join the existing three G650ER aircraft already in service as part of the Qatar Executive fleet, part of a 30-aircraft order announced in May 2015 by Qatar Airways and Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation.
Al-Baker said, “Qatar Airways is proud to have once again attended the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the leading aviation exhibitions in the world, the very same week we announced an operating profit of 8.6% for the fiscal year 2016. This airshow is the perfect location to showcase our Qatar Executive fleet, including the G650ER of which we have just purchased an additional three aircraft.
“This, together with the recognition from Skytrax - awarding us three accolades, including the World’s Best Business Class - is testament to our commitment to lead the industry in both service and on-board products, allowing our passengers to experience the very best in travel and hospitality.
“Our investment in LATAM reaffirms our commitment to enhancing connectivity for our passengers across the world, while strengthening our own financial position after the recent success of our investment in IAG.”
Qatar Airways also announced during the airshow that it had signed a contribution and shareholders agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Meridiana, the second largest carrier in Italy. 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.
Meridiana has 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.
On the second day, Qatar Airways accepted three accolades at the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards held at the airshow. Global air travellers voted Qatar Airways as having the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge and the Best Airline Staff Service in the
Middle East.
Visitors, including VIPs and trade partners, were welcomed on board the Qatar Executive all-business-class Airbus A319 and Gulfstream G650ER to experience the bespoke interiors and craftsmanship of the two aircraft.
Qatar Executive is the private jet division of the Qatar Airways Group, and is a leading provider of jet aircraft charter services together with premier aircraft management, maintenance and handling services in the Middle East and around the world.