IAG rises on remarks from Qatar Airways' chief executive

published 19 January 2012

Middle East carrier Qatar Airways is examining a potential acquisition in Europe, where it last year purchased a stake in freight operator Cargolux International, chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said today in a briefing at the Bahrain Air Show, Bloomberg News is reporting.

"We need to look at every business opportunity we can get," Al Baker said of prospects in Europe, while declining to specify who talks are being held with. "I just want to make sure Qatar Airways grows in a very sustained environment," added Al Baker.

International Airlines Group has not been the only beneficiary of the above news today. Thus, strong gains were also seen today in shares of SAS and Aer Lingus. In fact the airlines sector is now leading gains on the other side of the Atlantic as well, in the United States.