January 3: Qatar Airways Group has announced acquisition of 5 percent shares of China Southern Airlines. Issuing a statement on January 2, the flag carrier of Qatar said that it took this approach as part of its strategy to invest in the strongest airlines around the world and continue enhancing operations and network connectivity.

Qatar Airways said that it completed an on-market purchase of certain A shares and H shares of China Southern Airlines Company Limited on December 28, resulting in an aggregate holding of approximately 5 percent of the total issued share capital of China Southern Airlines.

Qatar Airways’ Chairman Ali Shareef Al Emadi said, "Qatar Airways regards our shareholding in China Southern Airlines as an important part of our strategic investment in the largest airline in one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets.”

“This investment further supports Qatar Airways' investment strategy which already includes its 20 percent investment in International Airlines Group, its 10 percent investment in LATAM Airlines Group, its 49 percent investment in Air Italy and its 9.99 percent investment in Cathay Pacific,” the statement said.