• Home
  • About
    • Where has GhettoIFE gone?
    • For PR’s and Agencies (Changes and Corrections)
    • Privacy Policy
  • Snapshots
  • Trip Reports
  • Travel Plus…
    • … Technology
    • … Photography

Economy Class & Beyond

You are here: Home / Business of Aviation / Change at the top of Qatar Airway Group

Change at the top of Qatar Airway Group

23/10/2023 by Kevincm

Something quick before I head into the air. – and it seems that changes are afoot at Qatar Airways, with the shy and retiring CEO Mr. Akbar Al Baker is stepping down as Head of the Group.

Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 At Boston Logain - Image Economy Class and Beyond

The move comes after he has spent 27 years building the airline from near enough nothing to a major force in the region – competing with Emirates and Etihad, whilst battling other carriers such as Gulf Air for market share.

And there have been passenger experience boosts to support it – with launches of the first business class product with a sliding door – QSuites. He’s also led the way in investing in other airlines – such as International Airlines Group and LATAM.

He will be succeded by Mohammed Al-Meer – currently the chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport, Doha.

a man in a white robe
Old CEO and New CEO – Akbar Al Baker on the left, Mohammed Al-Meer on the right  – Image, Qatar Airways. 

Under his leadership, the national carrier of the State of Qatar has achieved the seven-times win of the “World’s Best Airline” award, and its state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport, which is under its management and operation, has also been recognised as the “World’s Best Airport”.

Not all roses.

Akbar Al Baker has been… a little more insistent than some airline executives, causing conflict with suppliers (as well as leading to a legal fight between the airline group and Airbus), as well as statements that aren’t exactly suited in some parts of the world – some of which have forced apologies in the past (when he said that a woman could not do his job).

This could be very interesting

There’s always been the question of “what next” for any airline – when its current leader departs. Whilst Qatar Airways group is seemingly promoting from the ranks, it will be interesting to see what changes he will drive in the airline.

This, could be interesting.


Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.

Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on Twitter, Mastodon, BlueSky, Threads and Instagram too!

Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.

Related

Filed Under: Business of Aviation

  • Bluesky
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Mastodon
  • RSS
  • Threads

Recent Posts

  • Data Storage Adventures – With UGreen NASync DW4800 – Part 3: Build and Configuration
  • Royal Jordanian takes delivery of its first A320neo
  • Cathay Pacific introduces new ‘Chinese Classics’ dining offerings for Business class customers
  • Eurowings to introduce a Business Class Seat for Medium Haul Services
  • Thai Airways to use the Recaro R3 seat for their upcoming A321neo aircraft

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

Privacy Policy
Copyright © Economy Class & Beyond All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Economy Class & Beyond with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.