Qatar Airways has increased its stake in British Airways owner IAG to 25.1 percent from a previous 21.4 percent, according to a press release.

The state-owned Middle Eastern company Qatar Airways is the single largest owner in IAG and has previously stated that there is no intention to take a board position in IAG, which in addition to British Airways also owns Spain's Iberia and Ireland's Aer Lingus.

”"Qatar Airways continues to consider opportunities to invest in airlines and support management teams that share our vision of improving travel opportunities for air passengers around the world," said Akbar al Baker, CEO of the Doha-based airline.

The investment comes as IAG CEO Willie Walsh recently decided to step down and at a time when British Airways is still struggling with Brexit. A voting power of 25 percent or more allows an owner of a UK company to block certain decisions such as proposals for certain changes to corporate governance.

Source: Nyhetsbyrån Direkt