RUSSIA/QATAR. Qatar Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire up to 25% of Vnukovo International Airport. The Moscow airport is the third largest in Russia by passenger traffic.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the investment would enhance ties between Qatar and Russia. The airline launched direct services to St. Petersburg late last year and operates triple-daily flights to Moscow.
“As we celebrate the ‘Year of Culture’ between Russia and Qatar, I am very pleased to announce the potential acquisition of up to 25% of Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport,” he said. “All our investments are part of our existing expansion strategy, through which we aim to be able to bring even more people together from all parts of the globe.”
That strategy has so far included investment in a number of airlines and airline groups around the world: International Airlines Group (20%), LATAM Airlines Group (10%), Cathay Pacific (9.94%), and Air Italy (49%).
Vnukovo International Airport Chairman of the Board of Directors Vitaly Vantsev said the MoU “would lay the foundation for fruitful cooperation in the future” between the airline and airport.
He commented: “Vnukovo has the best transport accessibility, one of the most modern airport complexes in Russia, and shows the highest growth dynamics of passenger traffic in the country.
“Therefore, I am confident that our potential partnership will be mutually beneficial and able to bring a synergy effect for the further development of both sides.”
