Qatar Airways is open to the idea of selling a minority share and participating in strategic partnership with a strong player such as Lufthansa or British Airways

, according to an Airline Businessinterview with Qatar chief executive Akbar Al Baker. Such a development would mark the first time any of the three major Gulf network airlines--also including Emirates and Etihad--relinquishes its strategy of complete independence and non-participation in alliances. However, this would not happen until after Qatar launches an initial public offering, something it plans to do once it achieves three continuous years of profit. "That means it could happen as early as 2013," Al Baker is quoted as saying. Al Baker also expressed interest in acquiring equity in other airlines, but ruled out a bid for Virgin Atlantic.