Originally Posted by Worcester

Actually from an accounting point of view "one off cost" assuming you mean capital investment are amortised over the lifetime of the asset. If they purchase an Aircraft then the entire cost won't hit the balance sheet in year only a portion of the cost will.

Qatar airways started operations in 1994, U2 started in 1995.

Al Baker seems to be focused on empire building rather than building a sustainable business. For example being the launch partner for the A350 may have been prestigious but risky. QR may be fantastic to fly with (though from IST they seem eye watering expensive) but is it a sustainable partner for BA?

As a IAG shareholder I would be concerned about the influence they would have over IAG and if commercial decisions were being made at the behest of Al Baker to the detriment of other shareholders.