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.
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.
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.
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