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Qatar Airways Nears 49% RwandAir and 60% Bugesera Airport Stake

Qatar Airways is nearing the completion of its acquisition of a 49% stake in RwandAir and a 60% stake in the new Bugesera International Airport, following prolonged negotiations with the Rwandan government. The update was confirmed by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, who indicated that discussions are now in their final stages.

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Virgin Australia Awaits Federal Approval Before CEO Announcement

Virgin Australia is holding off on announcing its new CEO as it awaits federal government approval for its proposed partnership deal with Qatar Airways. The decision to delay reflects the airline’s focus on securing strategic alignment with Qatar Airways, which could influence its leadership direction.

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Qatar Airways Takes Delivery of B787-8 on Wet Lease

Qatar Airways has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 787-8, bearing serial number 42378, on wet lease from Oman Air. The aircraft is equipped with GEnx-1B engines, known for their fuel efficiency and high performance, making it an ideal addition to Qatar Airways’ long-haul operations.

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Lufthansa Urges Suspension of EU-Qatar Air Transport Agreement

Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, has urged the European Commission to suspend the EU-Qatar air transport agreement, citing concerns over its “radically unequal” terms and serious corruption allegations. The agreement, which liberalizes market access between the EU and Qatar, has come under increased scrutiny in recent months.

Virgin Australia Pilots Support Qatar Airways Deal with Conditions

The Virgin Australia pilots’ union has extended its qualified support for the airline’s proposed partnership with Qatar Airways, as outlined in a recent submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The union’s conditional backing reflects an interest in strengthening the alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways while ensuring that pilots’ terms and conditions are safeguarded. This cautious endorsement…

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Qantas Criticizes Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia Deal as Approval is Reviewed

Qantas and other industry stakeholders have raised concerns about a proposed partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia. This agreement would see Qatar Airways operate new international routes on behalf of Virgin Australia, a move that has stirred debate within the Australian aviation industry. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is currently reviewing the deal to determine whether it aligns…