Qatar eyes a stake in more airlines, while Etihad opts for more 777Fs

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Two interesting snippets from the Dubai Air Show. The first is that Qatar, which said it wouldn’t be buying aircraft, has instead expressed interest in buying airlines. It is eyeing a 49% share in India’s only airline to have made a profit for the past seven years. Under India rules, as an airline, Qatar was not allowed to take part in Indigo’s recent IPO, so must wait until shares start trading. The airline is also “very likely” to increase its stake in IAG.

Secondly, Etihad is taking two more 777 freighters currently under option. They will complement a fleet which already has three 777Fs, three 747Fs and four A330Fs. Market sources have recently indicated that Etihad is facing challenges, including the acquisition of Alitalia, as well as falling oil prices. But CEO James Hogan said the order demonstrated Etihad’s confidence in, and commitment to, the global freight market.