49% of Meridiana switches to Qatar Airways. The airline of the Gulf and Alisarda, the group that owns Meridiana Fly, Air Italy and part of the shares of the Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport, have signed the agreement for the change of hands of 49% of the Sardinian airline. After Etihad's entry into Alitalia as a reference shareholder with the same percentage, another Arab company expands through a massive stake in the capital of an Italian carrier.
The agreement, announces a note from the Doha-based group, provides for Qatar Airways to acquire 49% of the shares of Meridiana Fly and is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions by completion of the transaction scheduled for the beginning of October.
“Qatar Airways – commented the CEO, Akbar Al Baker – continues to expand its business opportunities around the world, increasing the number of travel options for our passengers as well as enhancing our investment portfolio. This agreement sets the course for us to continue our work towards a breakthrough solution that will benefit both Meridiana fly staff and passengers."
Meridiana, recalls the note in question, is the second airline in Italy with a large domestic and European network, connects the main Italian airports with Sardinia and offers connections with European, North American and African hubs. Meridiana's fleet consists of Boeing 737, 767 and MD82. Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing carriers, operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a fleet of 188 aircraft and flies to more than 150 business and leisure destinations across six continents.
