Qatar Airways confirmed today that it is planning to launch an initial public offering (IPO) in early 2012. The confirmation comes after Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airlines, stated on Saturday that he was confident that the airline would be ready for an IPO by 2012 after what he hopes will be three consecutive years of profit: “We have always said we will go in for an IPO once we register three consecutive years of profit.”
The plan at Qatar is a simple one: Grow the airline quickly while remaining in profit to glean maximum value for any IPO. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that new European routes would be added within the next three to four months.
The timing of the IPO takes maximum advantage of the new Doha International Airport that will be completed around the same time as any IPO in 2012. The airport will be able to handle 50 million passengers when finished. The IPO will also be able to factor in new aircraft being delivered through to 2015 and of course the FIFA world cup that will be in Qatar in 2022, which is sure to provide a bonanza for Qatar Airways.
There is now no question that Qatar will do anything required to remain in profit through to the IPO.