Airlines
Qatar Airways Takes Stake in China Southern
The Gulf airline’s latest acquisition spreads its influence into the world’s fastest-growing market.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, left, meets with China Southern Airlines chairman Wang Chang Shun to mark the Gulf airline's acquisition of a 5 percent stake in the Chinese carrier. (Photo: Qatar Airways)
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, left, meets with China Southern Airlines chairman Wang Chang Shun to mark the Gulf airline's acquisition of a 5 percent stake in the Chinese carrier. (Photo: Qatar Airways)

Qatar Airways has taken a 5 percent stake in China Southern Airlines, the companies announced Wednesday, marking the Gulf carrier’s first investment in the fast-growing and strategically vital Chinese market. The acquisition, completed on December 28, signals Qatar’s continuing efforts to spread its influence across the globe even as a Saudi-led quartet of Gulf neighbors hamper profitability with a political and economic boycott of Qatar instituted in June 2017.