Qatar Airways is interested in italian airline Meridiana

One month ago Etihad Airways took a share in italian flagg carrier Alitalia. Now another italian airline could receive financial backing from an arabian carrier. In an interview with italian newspaper “La Stampa” Akbar al-Baker, Chief Executive Officer Qatar Airways, said “We are interested in Meridiana”. So the rumors now are confirmed.

Meridiana is a privately owned airline headquartered in Olbia/Italy. The airline was set up as Alisarda by Aga-Khan in 1963 with the aim of promoting tourism in Sardinia. In 1991 the name Meridiana was adopted and first international services were operated. After the merger with Eurofly, a company specialized in long-haul charter flights, the carrier was named Meridiana fly. In 2011 Meridiana Fly completely acquired Air Italy. When the merger was completed in 2013 Meridiana fly returned to its former name Meridiana.

The Meridiana fleet consists of nearly 30 planes. But some weeks ago the struggled airline told it will withdrawn its 5 Airbus A320 and 10 MD-82 to operate an all-Boeing fleet. The airline operates domestic, european and some intercontinental flights.