Qatari Airways to buy 25% stake in Russian Vnukovo Airport

Qatar Airways has announced that it may buy up to 25 per cent of shares in Russia’s Vnukovo Airport.

A statement released by the airline read: “Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it has entered into an MoU [memorandum of understanding] with Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport, Russia’s third largest airport, to potentially acquire up to 25 per cent of the airport’s total shares.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al-Baker signed the MoU along with Chairman of the Board of Vnukovo International Airport, Vitaly Vantsev.

“Such an investment will complement the strong ties we have already established with the country, with our launch of direct services to St. Petersburg late last year, as well as our triple-daily flights to Moscow,” said Al-Baker.

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He continued: “All our investments are part of our existing expansion strategy, through which we aim to be able to bring even more people together from all parts of the globe.”

Vantsev, said: “Today we have signed the MoU, the provisions of which, once implemented, could establish a foundation for productive partnership between Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading air carriers and a true, recognised touchstone of sterling quality of passenger and in-flight services, and Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport.”

“This potential investment supports the award-winning airline’s investment strategy, which already includes 20 per cent investment in International Airlines Group, 10 per cent investment in LATAM Airlines Group, 9.94 per cent investment in Cathay Pacific and 49 per cent investment in Air Italy.”