Exciting news from Qatar Airways! The airline is on the verge of announcing a significant investment in an airline based in southern Africa. This move is a key part of Qatar Airways' strategy to broaden its network across Africa.
"We are at the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in the southern part of Africa," said CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer during a panel at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha. He hinted that the deal could be officially announced within the next two to three weeks.
Meer, who took over as CEO in November, highlighted that the southern part of Africa represents a gap in Qatar Airways' coverage on the continent. To bridge this gap, Qatar Airways aims to expand the fleets of its partner airlines in Africa, thereby enhancing connectivity across the region.
This isn't Qatar Airways' first foray into African aviation. In 2019, the airline acquired a 60% stake in a new $1.3 billion international airport in Rwanda. Additionally, Qatar Airways has established code share agreements with several African airlines, including Rwandair. This latest investment underscores the airline's commitment to strengthening its presence and partnerships within Africa.