Boeing Eyes Qatar, Mideast Investment

Global aircraft manufacturer Boeing Industries is targeting investments by Qatar as well as other Middle Eastern countries and said the current market condition created better opportunities for aviation assets. This was disclosed by Boeing’s top official at the first ever financiers and investors roundtable, organized by Qatar First Investment Bank (QFIB). Boeing uses its roundtable events around the world to link financiers with financing opportunities for its customer airlines.

Highlighting that the Middle East was the only part of the world to see air passenger growth during the current downturn, a top Boeing Capital official said it was a positive sign of industry health which, when combined with reduced competition in the financing marketplace because of current market conditions, created great opportunities for people with capital.
Boeing Capital managing director (Middle East and Africa) John Matthews said while aircraft as an asset class have held up better than most other investment alternatives, the current market disruption has created even better opportunities for savvy investors. “Financiers willing to take advantage of the short-term market dislocations with a view toward creating a long-term aircraft portfolio should find themselves generously rewarded,” said Matthews.

QFIB chief executive Mike de Graffenried said the bank was pleased to partner with a global player like Boeing because there was a great potential for sound investment opportunities in the aviation sector. “QFIB aims to develop further understanding of the current dynamics of the aviation industry following the financial crisis,” he said.- Gulf Times