Qatar Airways Exits its Cathay Pacific Stake After Eight Years
Cathay Pacific Airways announced the buyback of shares that Qatar Airways had held in the airline since 2017, after the Middle Eastern company requested to sell its stake. The transaction, valued at HK$6.97 billion (equivalent to US$896 million), was communicated via a stock exchange filing and is subject to approval by at least 75% of the Hong Kong-based company’s shareholders, Bloomberg reported.
A Historic Investment in East Asia
Qatar Airways’ entry into Cathay Pacific marked a milestone in commercial aviation: it was the first time a Middle Eastern airline had invested in an East Asian company. With a 9.57% stake, Qatar became the third-largest shareholder of the Hong Kong-based airline.
The investment was disclosed in late 2017 as part of a broader strategy by Qatar Airways to acquire stakes in international airlines. Among its most notable moves are investments in IAG, the parent group of Iberia and British Airways, and in the South America-based Latam Airlines Group.
→ Qatar Airways Named “World’s Best Airline” at the 2025 Business Traveller Awards
New Priorities in Qatar Airways’ Portfolio
In recent years, Qatar Airways has redirected its focus towards smaller airlines. Among its recent acquisitions are:
- A 25% stake in Virgin Australia Airlines.
- 49% of RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda (purchase still pending).
- An investment in South Africa-based Airlink.
This strategic shift suggests geographical and operational diversification, aimed at emerging markets and regional companies.
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