Finance: Qatar Airways wants to buy a 10% stake in American Airlines (AAL)

The carrier said it was still committed to pursuing fair competition with Gulf airlines.

American Airlines on Thursday said it received an unsolicited notice from Qatar Airways to make a "significant investment," amounting to about 10% of public shares.

In a regulatory filing, American Airlines said Qatar had notified the Federal Trade Commission as required for its potential investment. Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, Qatar Airways is required to make notification for a purchase of more than $81 million of American Airlines stock.

"The proposed investment by Qatar Airways was not solicited by American Airlines and would in no way change the company’s board composition, governance, management or strategic direction," American Airlines said.

The carrier added that it remained committed to pursuing fair competition with Gulf-based airlines. US airlines have raised concerns that the subsidies that Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates receive from their home countries create unfair competition and could squeeze them out of key markets.

The disclosure of Qatar Airways' interest comes after Saudi Arabia and other neighbors cut diplomatic ties with the country, accusing it of supporting terrorism. The countries also closed their airspace to Qatar Airways, which was potentially devastating because Qatar has very little airspace relative to its size.

The airline has also been financially impacted by the US and UK governments' ban on large electronics in flight.

American Airlines shares gained 5% in premarket trading.

The carrier said it was still committed to pursuing fair competition with Gulf airlines. Read Full Story