Qatar Air to keep 15% stake in Aer Lingus firm

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said he is happy with the level of the company’s 15% stake in Aer Lingus and British Airways owner IAG and will not seek a seat on the company board.

Speaking yesterday at a conference in Dublin, Mr Al Baker said he views the holding as a strategic investment that will aid co-operation in areas such as joint fleet purchases, rather than a financial stake, and has no plans to raise it beyond the current level.

Qatar Air bought 9.99% of IAG in January last year before building its position by way of a series of further purchases.