Qatar Airways is preparing for huge capacity increases to Germany next month with additional flights to Frankfurt and Munich, together with the introduction of services to Stuttgart – its fourth German gateway.

Speculation is growing over the timing of an initial public offering from Qatar Airways, with the airline’s chief executive suggesting it could be as soon as 2012. In an interview with Qatari daily Gulf Times Akbar al-Baker said he was “pretty confident” of launching an IPO over the next two years.

Emirates chairman Tim Clarke has angrily rejected claims made by Air France chief executive Henri Gourgeon suggesting the airline accepts government subsidies. Mr Gourgeon warned earlier this week Europe’s status as an air travel hub was “under threat” from emerging Middle Eastern carriers.

Award-winning Qatar Airways has introduced its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft for the first time on one of its European routes, operating daily between London Heathrow and its Doha hub.

Qatar Airways rounded off its participation at this year’s Farnborough Air Show with a show-stopping presence attracting large crowds at its passenger aircraft on static display.

Qatar Airways has announced it has purchased two Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft in a deal worth US$90 million as part of plans to further develop its 12-month old corporate jet subsidiary, Qatar Executive.