His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, has announced his intention to resign as Group Chief Executive effective 5 November 2023. He will be succeeded in this role by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
The blockade of Qatar, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, a high court battle with Airbus over the A350, all of which he oversaw as CEO of Qatar Airlines but ultimately settled diplomatically.
Qatar Airways, led by H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, has risen to become a household name worldwide because of its commitment to outstanding customer service and the highest standards in the industry. The national airline of Qatar has won the “World’s Best Airline” title a record-breaking seven times, and its airport, Hamad International Airport, which it manages and operates, has also won the “World’s Best Airport” award.
The Qatar Airways Group demonstrated its competence, dedication to quality and enthusiasm for bringing people together by playing a pivotal role in putting on the finest FIFA World Cup ever.
Unlike other airline CEOs who preferred to keep a low profile and toe the party line, Akbar Al Baker never hesitated to speak about what he felt of any given circumstance.
Recently, Al Baker was at the centre of a two-year legal battle with aircraft company Airbus. The dispute reached the High Court in London. More than $600 million in compensation was being sought by Qatar Airways from Airbus. This year has seen the ultimate resolution of the conflict. However, the details of the settlement are being kept secret.
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer is the new Group CEO of Qatar Airways.
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer is not new to the Airline field. Since 2014, he has served as Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer.
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer received his engineering degree from the American University of Beirut and his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado.
Over the last nine years, he has played a crucial role in developing Hamad International Airport into a primary international gateway, providing travellers with one of the best airport experiences anywhere. In 2021 and 2022, Skytrax ranked this airport as the “World’s Best Airport.” Hamad International Airport received the second-best airport in the world award and the “Best Airport in the Middle East” title for the ninth year in a row at this year’s ceremony.
Al-Meer also guided the airport’s operations during the pandemic, using cutting-edge technology to ensure passengers enjoy a safe and clean experience. An indoor tropical garden of 60,000 square feet replete with its waterfall, The Orchard, was opened in 2022 as part of the airport’s multiphase development plan.
In his new position as Group Chief Executive, Al-Meer will have some large shoes to fill. His predecessor, Al Baker, deserves all the credit in the world for building Qatar Airways into the globally recognised brand it is today. Under Al Baker’s leadership, Qatar Airways has won Skytrax’s “World’s Best Airline” award a record-breaking seven times.
Qatar Airways, now led by Al-Meer, will shortly restart service to various destinations without it since the pandemic began. These cities include Osaka (KIX), Penang (PEN), and Venice (VCE). Additionally, he will be responsible for taking the delivery of many aeroplanes, including the Boeing 737 MAX 10, Boeing 777-9, and Airbus A350-1000.
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