Qatar Airways takes $1.7 billion stake in British Airways-owner IAG

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Just yesterday The Loadstar noted that a partial IPO would give IAG Cargo “the ability to raise funds from a diverse base of investors”, and help it attract new partnerships such as that with Qatar. That hasn’t – as yet – happened, but today comes the news that Qatar Airways has bought a 9.99% stake in IAG, at a cost of $1.7bn. It may, it said, increase this over time. “IAG represents an excellent opportunity to further develop our Westwards strategy,” said CEO Akbar Al Baker. Does this mean a greater tie-up between Qatar Cargo and IAG Cargo? According to Qatar cargo chief Uli Ogiermann, nothing is currently on the cards. The move could, however, boost IAG’s “competitive positioning” against the Middle Eastern carriers, said an analyst. And this would likely be at Air France-KLM and Lufthansa’s expense.