Qatar Air’s India venture

Qatar

Airways along with Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund will reportedly apply for an operating licence to start an airline in India even as it closes in on long-negotiated agreement to buy 49 per cent of Italy’s Meridiana. According to Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker, its Indian carrier would be majority owned by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), with Qatar Airways controlling a minority interest. Manufacturers Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer would be invited to bid for orders from the Indian carrier. Qatar Airways has revealed plans to operate a domestic Indian carrier with around 100 jetliners.