Qatar Airways Group has no concerns about the viability of Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong International) and would be interested in increasing its stake if an opportunity arises, CEO Akbar Al Baker told Reuters.

"We have no concern about the brand, we have no concern about the viability of the airline,"Al Baker said.

Cathay Pacific has been heavily hit by the ongoing political crisis in Hong Kong and clashes between pro-democracy protestors and the mainland China-backed government. The airline has suffered both as a result of a decline in demand for both out- and in-bound traffic and due to the pressure exerted by the authorities to ban staff from getting involved in the protests.

Qatar Airways currently owns a 10% stake in Cathay Pacific and has previously said that it would be interested in buying more shares, although it was difficult due to its tight share register.

Cathay Pacific's largest shareholders are Hong Kong-based Swire Group with a 45% stake and Air China with a 30% stake.

At the same time, Al Baker said that Qatar Airways had no plans to participate in the ongoing privatisation of Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) and the proposed sale of Air India (AI, Delhi International).