DUBAI — Qatar Airways says it now holds a 5 per cent share in China Southern Airlines, helping expand the Gulf carrier’s reach in one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets.

Qatar Airways Group said Wednesday the acquisition of additional shares of China Southern supports its overall investment strategy. The Mideast carrier has a 49 per cent stake in Air Italy, nearly 10 per cent in Cathay Pacific and LATAM Airlines Group, and a 20 per cent investment in International Airlines Group – the holding company for British Airways among others.

China Southern Airlines is a member of SkyTeam, an alliance that includes Delta, KLM, Air France and others.

Despite losses off its revenue last year due to a boycott from neighbouring Gulf states, Qatar Airways maintains it is the “world’s fastest growing airline.”