Deals
Qatar Eyes American Stake in Surprise Twist to Airline Feud
- Al Baker in unsolicited approach tells Parker he wants 10%
- Purchase would put state-owned carrier on par with Buffett
Qatar Airways Seeks 10% Stake in American Airlines
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Only weeks after President Donald Trump accused Qatar of funding terrorism, the nation’s flagship airline has made a surprise overture to acquire a major stake in American Airlines.
The move represents a startling turn in a running battle between U.S. carriers and their Persian Gulf rivals, which U.S. airline executives say have unfair advantages because of deep government subsidies. It also comes against the backdrop of renewed efforts by the Trump administration to mediate the simmering crisis between Qatar and some of the closest U.S. allies in the region, notably Saudi Arabia.