Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 5 percent stake in China Southern Airlines. The investment indicates "opportunities for us to work together and build a long-term relationship in ways that would bring benefits to customers of both airlines," according to Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker. China Southern recently opted not to renew its membership with the SkyTeam alliance and already has an investment from American Airlines, which like Qatar Airways is a Oneworld partner. Qatar also has investments in International Airlines Group, Latam Airlines Group, Cathay Pacific and Air Italy.