In wake of Delta deal, Qatar Airways says could consider raising LATAM stake

Qatar Airways CE Akbar al-Baker said his airline would consider lifting its 10% stake in LATAM Airlines Group if the opportunity came up - comments which come after Delta Air Lines agreed last month to buy 20% of the Chilean carrier. But al-Baker also noted that LATAM's free float was limited. Currently around 48%, according to Refinitiv data, it could fall to as low as 28% depending on the take up of Delta's tender offer for shares. Qatar Airways has historically had a contentious relationship with major US carriers, which have accused Gulf airlines of receiving unfair govt subsidies, distorting competition and costing Americans jobs. Delta's US$1.9b deal with LATAM ended the Chilean airline's long-time ties with American Airlines. <br/>