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