Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker to Step Down After 27 Years

Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker is stepping down after 27 years leading the company. Al Baker's retirement will go into effect November 5, Qatar Airways said on Monday. He will be succeeded by Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who currently serves as the chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport in Doha, the hub of Qatar's national carrier.

Growth and Recognition

In Monday's announcement, Qatar Airways said that it "has grown to become one of the most recognizable and trusted brands globally" under Al Baker's leadership. The company pointed to seven "World's Best Airline" wins, among other accolades. During his tenure at Qatar Airways, Al Baker became known for being one of the most outspoken leaders in the airline industry — with a hard-charging, sometimes confrontational approach that carried into negotiations with manufacturers and others.

Controversial Remarks

Al Baker has also made some controversial comments over his career — including suggesting that women can't run airlines and for calling American carriers "crap" and that their passengers were "always being served by grandmothers." He later apologized for both remarks. Last year, Al Baker lashed out at critics of Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup, saying his nation will "always rub salt into the wound" of its adversaries — following concerns from some other countries and soccer teams over how Qatar manages its vast population of low-paid migrant workers and its stance on LGBTQ rights.

Financial Performance

In July, Qatar Airways reported a profit of USD 1.2 billion over the last fiscal year, boosted in part by the country's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. That's down slightly from the USD 1.5 billion profit posted the year prior — in part due to a spike in operating expenses, particularly in jet fuels as energy prices rose after the grip of the pandemic loosened and air travel resumed. Qatar Airways earned revenue of USD 20.9 billion over the fiscal year, up from USD 14.4 billion the year before.

Akbar Al Baker's departure from Qatar Airways marks the end of an era for the airline. Under his leadership, the airline grew to become one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the world. While Al Baker's tenure was not without controversy, there is no doubt that he leaves behind a lasting legacy.