Qatar Airways takes 49% stake in Meridiana

September 28, 2017

Qatar Airways has acquired a 49 per cent stake of AQA Holding – the new parent company of Meridiana fly (Meridiana), while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda has kept 51 per cent.

Meridiana is the second largest Italian carrier, with an extensive network, which connects the main Italian airports with Sardinia and provides connectivity with hubs in Europe as well as in the US and Africa. It’s fleet consists of Boeing 737s, 767s and MD-82s.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker says: “We are delighted to formalise this important partnership, which will help increase Meridiana’s competitiveness in the European market.

“We look forward to working together to reinforce its position to provide even more connectivity to Italy and other European destinations, as well as those in the US and beyond.”

Under the terms of the Contribution and Shareholders’ Agreement signed in July 2016, Alisarda maintains the right to appoint the majority of the board members. In due course, the new plan for Meridiana will be announced and the new CEO will be appointed.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.