International Airlines Group (IAG) has acquired a 4.61 percent minority ownership position in Norwegian Air Shuttle. The group – which owns British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia – said it considers the low-cost airline to be an “attractive investment” opportunity. The minority investment is intended to establish a position from which to initiate discussions with Norwegian, according to IAG, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian. IAG said it had noted recent press speculation that it is considering making an offer for Norwegian. However, no discussions have taken place to date, IAG said. “IAG has taken no decision to make an offer at this time and there is no certainty that any such decision will be made,” the airline group reiterated in a statement. A further announcement will be made if appropriate, the statement added. Norwegian is the sixth-largest low-cost airline in the world. It currently operates around 500 routes to 150 destinations.