Have No Interest In Air India, Only IndiGo, Qatar Airways CEO Says
Qatar Airways CEO says he is interested in buying a stake in IndiGo but this isn’t the right time due to the promoter dispute.
Qatar Airways reiterated it is keen to buy a stake in IndiGo, India’s biggest airline, to help the Doha-based company bolster its presence in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
The CEO Akbar Al Baker said the airline will wait for a battle between IndiGo’s shareholders to end before it announces any decision. Meanwhile, he said the company has no interest in buying the government’s stake in flag carrier Air India.
The Indian government plans roadshows in Singapore and London to entice investors for the Indian national carrier’s privatisation.
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. on Thursday signed a one-way codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways, where the latter will be able to book seats on the former’s flights on certain specific destinations.
With around 48 percent share in domestic air passenger market, IndiGo is India’s largest airline. IndiGo promoters InterGlobe Enterprises Ltd. and Rahul Bhatia have sought arbitration proceedings in London against the backdrop of differences with co-promoter Rakesh Gangwal.