Qatar’s national carrier now owns about 12 percent of IAG, up 9.99 percent from previously, according to media reports. IAG is the parent company of British Airways, and its chief Willie Walsh has previously said the relationship with Qatar Airways could lead to more code-sharing arrangements, joint purchases and coordination between cargo units.

Speaking to reporters at the Arabian Travel Market show in Dubai this week, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker declined to say when his company made the purchase.