At Farnborough International Airshow 2016, Qatar Airways has signed a share and shareholding agreement with Alisarda, the parent company of Meridiana Fly.
Under the agreement, Qatar Airways purchase 49% of Meridiana Fly shares, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. The transaction will be completed by the beginning of October. The value of his agreement was not disclosed.
Qatar Airways - Meridiana Fly
The transaction follows normal steps and comes after several months of discussions between the airline management and the airline unions. Any such action comes with a package and austerity plan. The agreement also includes layoffs.
For Qatar Airways, the move is strategic. We know that Etihad Airways has bought Alitalia and strengthened its operations in Europe. Qatar Airways acquires Meridiana Fly, the second largest airline in Italy.
Currently, Meridiana has an extensive national and European network, which connects the main Italian airports with Sardinia. At the same time, Meridiana also offers connections to destinations in Africa and America.
In June 2016, Meridiana Fly owned a fleet of 22 aircraft: Boeing 737, Boeing 767 and McDonnell Douglas 82 / 83.