On 7-Nov-2017 Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker told the CAPA Asia Aviation Summit that Meridiana would be rebranded after its subsidiary Air Italy and aim to become "the flag carrier of Italy". He predicted robust growth for Meridiana, after an extended period of contraction.
An important first step will be to secure the appointment of a new CEO for Meridiana. Qatar Airways' acquisition of 49% of Meridiana was approved by the European Commission in Mar-2017, and the acquisition was confirmed in Sep-2017. A 51% majority stake remains in the hands of the former sole owner, Alisarda.
