The Qatari flag carrier is expanding operations across the continent. Credit: Abdul N Quraishi – Abs / Shutterstock

Qatar Airways is extending its footprint in Africa with an investment in a southern African airline, according to CEO Badr Al-Meer. 

Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum he described the region as the “last piece of the equation” for the Qatari carrier’s operations on the continent. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

While it remains unclear which airline Al-Meer’s company has interest in, he said an announcement could come within a matter of weeks. 

“We are in the final stage of an equity investment in an airline in the southern part of Africa,” he confirmed. 

Qatar’s recent moves have focused on central Africa, with a deal for 49% of RwandAir also in its final stages, and a new route to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo announced in April. 

Qatar Airways chief commercial officer, Thierry Antinori, described the expansion to the capital of the DRC has one of several “significant milestones” in 2024 towards its African goal.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We have seen significant milestones in our 2024 network expansion and this latest addition is particularly special, as it continues our strategic goal of increasing our footprint in Africa.”

“The inclusion of Kinshasa in our network is the latest manifestation of our efforts to improve connectivity to Africa. Qatar Airways has showcased its commitment to the region by providing passengers in Africa with greater choice to explore different corners of the world through our network and our hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport,” he said. 

These investments are part of what CEO Al-Meer described as a “new era” for the flag carrier in March, just five months after he took the reigns at the airline.