Qatar Airways has denied it is in talks to invest in an Indian carrier, following reports that the airline was in discussions regarding taking a stake in low-cost carrier Spice Jet.
The Qatar News Agency has printed a statement by the airline’s CEO Akbar al Baker in which he “categorically denies it [Qatar Airways] is interested in investing in Spicejet or any other Indian airline”.
“This is pure speculation by individuals who deliberately want to spread such unfounded rumours to raise the stock value of their entities,” said Al Baker.
"India is a huge market and a potentially lucrative one. While we have expressed interest in expanding our presence in India, we will only be interested in any potential investment once we are sure regulations and laws are properly liberalised. I can confirm we are currently not talking to any Indian airline.”
The statement follows recent speculation linking Gulf carriers with struggling Indian airlines. In December Kingfisher Airlines confirmed it was “in discussion with various investors, including Etihad Airways, for equity investments in the company” (see online news December 12, 2012).
For more information visit qatarairways.com.
Report by Mark Caswell