About

One of the marquee names in the highly competitive international airline market, Qatar Airways has recently received plaudits from the airline press for its reliability and quality of service, seen revenue continue to grow and their already highly recognisable global brand increase in prominence. The company’s business moves lately have matched these successes, and taking the initiative through the acquisition of stakes in a variety of rival companies, including some of the biggest airlines in operation. Indeed, Qatar Airways recently announced that they would be increasing their stake in International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, to 20%, and that they would be acquiring up to a 10% share in LATAM, South America’s largest airline. They have also announced the acquisition of an even larger stake in Italy’s second largest carrier, Meridiana, valued at around 49%. Along with these M&A activities, the company has negotiated an extension to their high-profile advertising deal with FC Barcelona which should see them remain the Spanish club’s shirt sponsor into 2017 at least. Qatar Airways’ legal team has supported the business in these endeavours in addition to the multiple complex areas that an airline’s in-house legal team is expected to deal with as a matter of course. That the team has been able to effectively manage these diverse expectations while empowering the business to retain the initiative is evidence of their skill levels, commitment and professionalism.