Qatar Airways Group has announced it has increased its shareholding in IAG International Airlines Group from 21.4% to 25.1%. The value of the transaction, based on the European carrier conglomerate's share price at the close of trading on Tuesday, February 18, has been put at GBP465 million pounds (USD612 million).

"Our investment to date has been highly successful, and the announced increase in our shareholding is evidence of our continued support of IAG and its strategy," Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said in a disclosure. "Qatar Airways continues to consider opportunities to invest in airlines and support management teams that share our vision to enhance travel opportunities for airline passengers across the globe."

The Qatari carrier and IAG, whose constituent airlines include British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling Airlines, LEVEL (operated by Iberia, Anisec Luftfahrt and OpenSkies), have been equity partners since 2010 when the Gulf-based carrier first acquired a 10% stake.

Aside from this shareholding, Qatar Airways Group also has stakes in Air Italy (49%), Cathay Pacific (9.61%), China Southern Airlines (5%), and is negotiating a 49% stake in RwandAir.