Recently many of us were caught off guard when it was announced that Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker would resign. Al Baker is a larger than life character, and possibly the most outspoken CEO in the industry. He had been CEO of the airline for 27 years, and quite literally turned Qatar Airways into what it is today (well, with zero regulatory challenges, and many billions of dollars from the Qatari government, but still…).
Badr Mohammed Al Meer has now been appointed Qatar Airways Group CEO. So, what can we expect for him? Let’s talk a bit about his background, and then talk about the vision he’s sharing for the airline, which kind of surprises me.
In this post:
Who is Qatar Airways’ new CEO?
Prior to being appointed Qatar Airways Group CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer has spent over two decades working in aviation, construction, and real estate development projects.
Since 2014, Al Meer has served as Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport. Hamad Airport has grown into one of the biggest hubs in the region in recent years, and the airport and airline of course work closely together, since they have the same owner (the government).
Prior to joining Hamad International Airport, Al Meer spent a decade with the United Development Company (UDC), a Qatari public shareholding company and construction firm, and he rose up to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer. During his time there, he oversaw the Pearl Project, which is a popular development in Doha.
Al Meer has engineering degrees from the American University of Beirut and the University of Colorado. I can’t figure out how old Al Meer is (if anyone has any insights, please let me know), but I get the sense that he’s still quite young, probably in his mid-40s.
The vision of Qatar Airways’ new CEO
What are Al Meer’s plans and priorities for Qatar Airways, now that he’s in charge? Here’s a quote from him about what he hopes to accomplish at the airline:
“His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker has left an indelible mark on this organization, having built Qatar Airways from the ground up into to the world class airline it is today – with 241 aircraft, 43,000 employees and over 160 worldwide destinations. It has been an honor to serve under his guidance, and I pay tribute to him as he heads into a new chapter.”
“For the past 10 years, I have dedicated my career to making an impact at Qatar Airways Group and am looking forward to leading our national carrier into a new era – one in which a culture of trust and empowerment will be the building blocks of our shared success.”
“In today’s dynamic and constantly evolving travel industry, I plan to invest in the priorities and concerns of my generation, and will place a renewed focus on harnessing emerging technology, developing and implementing sustainable aviation solutions, and further improving our customer experience – while simultaneously continuing the aggressive growth and world-class service we have always offered. I take immense pride in our role as the most welcoming gateway to the world – and look forward to further enhancing our position as a favored travel destination.”
My take on Qatar Airways Group’s new CEO
As Qatar Airways sees a transition with its CEO, I have a few thoughts…
First of all, I can’t believe that this is the end of Al Baker in the airline industry. For over a decade, he was the most outspoken person in the airline industry. Did he say some stuff that was truly absurd? Yes. Did he have some questionable labor practices? Yes. But he had a passion for the industry and for his company that no one else had. Love him or hate him, he’s a one-of-a-kind, and the industry won’t be the same without him (for better or worse).
Second of all, usually when you get a curated quote from a new executive, it doesn’t tell you anything interesting, and there are no surprises. However, I can’t help but note how Al Meer specifically states that under his leadership the airline will enter a new era, “in which a culture of trust and empowerment will be the building blocks of our shared success.”
Is this just lip service, or will there be substance to this? To put it politely, Al Baker was known for running a very (very, very, very) tight ship. The airline hasn’t had a culture of trust and empowerment, but rather had a culture of fear and strict policies. Many policy changes were justified simply with “because the chief said so,” rather than actually sharing the logic. Does Al Meer recognize that this is the reality, and will he actually work to change that?
While Qatar Airways frontline staff are largely hardworking, there’s no denying that when people go to apply for jobs at the Gulf carriers, they first apply for Emirates, then Etihad, and then Qatar Airways. That’s not because Qatar Airways isn’t a good airline, but rather because the company is known for its strict rules, from having a curfew at accommodations in Doha, to restricting social media postings. Hopefully that changes, so the airline can attract better talent.
Last but not least, I can’t help but find it interesting that Qatar Airways chose someone without direct airline experience for the role of CEO. Of course he has airport and engineering experience, but that’s still quite different. I think we all knew a local would be chosen for the job, though I imagine some of the senior expat managers are really running the show now (and Qatar Airways has some great talent).
Bottom line
Badr Mohammed Al Meer has now taken on the role of Qatar Airways Group CEO, replacing the unforgettable Akbar Al Baker. Al Meer was previously Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport. Interestingly he’s not just promising business as usual, but is instead promoting a new era build on a culture of trust and empowerment. I’m excited to see what Al Meer has planned.
What do you make of Qatar Airways Group’s new CEO?
Engineer Badr Al-Meer, the new CEO, lived through Qatar Airways during its period of brilliance and expansion, and he also worked very closely with His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al-Baker. He was certainly one of the knights of Qatar Airways and won international awards and represented it on a regular basis. I am completely certain that he will make it shine even more in the quality of service. Congratulations to Qatar Airways for such young people
So far the only things which are changing are for cabin crew. Like his predecessor pilots are being neglected. Baker hated his pilots, called us overpaid bus drivers. With a new CEO at the helm, doesn’t look like it’s changed. Nothing is being done to retain us, so we abide our time, get the hours until something better comes along. We are all looking forward to RIA to shake things up in the ME. The time has come for gaining an inch of respect.
Very interesting articles.
Sadly, you have not done your homework before publishing this article.
Badr Mohammed Al Meer was my colleague when I joined United Development Company (UDC) in February 2009. Badr had joined hardly a year before me as an Electrical Engineer as a fresh graduate. Considering he started his career in 2008, he has completed only 15 years of his career, not two decades.
Moreover, he had shuffled between UDC and Qatar Airways...
Very interesting articles.
Sadly, you have not done your homework before publishing this article.
Badr Mohammed Al Meer was my colleague when I joined United Development Company (UDC) in February 2009. Badr had joined hardly a year before me as an Electrical Engineer as a fresh graduate. Considering he started his career in 2008, he has completed only 15 years of his career, not two decades.
Moreover, he had shuffled between UDC and Qatar Airways before finally settling as COO of Hamad International Airport. There has been political influence in his rise to this position.
I can write his complete biography here, but I believe the above will give you a glimpse of how what you have written is completely different from the facts. You will never get inside stories just from the media or by searching the internet.
My son is travelling in IAH-BOM-IAH sector on 28.11.2023-28.12.2023. He wants to extend his return journey on 02.01.2024 instead of 28.12.2023. The difference in fare is coming of the order of 1500 USD-1800 USD, which is exhorbitantly high. Need help if that difference is made affordable
Qatar has gained the trust of most nations of the world. May be its Air Lines,Qatar Airways, its Broadcasting giant Aljezera or above all its disciplined internal law and order and justice system. Long live Qatar.
Qatar Airways,my experience as a passenger, is really a world class airlines having a disciplined crew and strict time schedule. Qatar has emerged as a trustworthy nation amongst the world nations situated in the rich middle east region and has many but two most popular and trustworthy world class services Qatar Air lines and Aljezera.But the most trust worthy is the law & order and justice system prevailing there. May Qatar shine like sun.
I believe that was my First trip by Qatar air. I really feel comfortable trip.....l wish if they start direct flight from toronto to pakistan . Over all qatar air is good airline.
There are plenty of "Direct" Flights from Toronto to Pakistan, but surely not one Non-Stop which is normal, Qatar is an Airline from Qatar so you will always have a stop at Qatar.
Nothing will change at this airline. Al Bakar's achievements are overrated. Who can't run an airline with an unlimited budget? I have worked for this airline for 10 years and I have to say that it's a shit environment. Employees are overworked and pilots are flying over the legal limit of 100 hours per month as the airline uses factored hours (seat time). I also don't understand how Hamad airport wins any awards (payments to...
Nothing will change at this airline. Al Bakar's achievements are overrated. Who can't run an airline with an unlimited budget? I have worked for this airline for 10 years and I have to say that it's a shit environment. Employees are overworked and pilots are flying over the legal limit of 100 hours per month as the airline uses factored hours (seat time). I also don't understand how Hamad airport wins any awards (payments to skytrax?) as many flights end up parked at a remote bay and passengers are taken to the terminal by bus. Reason being, he airport is already too small for its capacity.
The latest tropical garden is also a copy of the award winning singapore airport (and they had the nerve to accuse Singapore of copying their idea), so tell me if a tropical concept is relevant to a desert country? Oh, by the way watch this airport when it rains as there are numerous leaks in the roof and water gushes in, creating the world's best indoor waterfall. But alas, employees are refrained from taking videos or pictures of this indoor waterfall as it is a national embarrassment.
I have been flying since 2016 and still flying Qatar Airways. Its a better airline than most on the American and Europe sector. Flew on Covid days when Qatar Airways took many precautions. Yes, I am a member of Privilege Club which I enjoy very much at stop overs Hammad International Airport. Yusuf
Congratulations him in near future , And do is best Inshallah.
The problem this airline has is customer service! I have never had such bad post customer service in my life! Its an area this airline chooses to ignore, and if you check their social media, the posts are awash with unhappy customers, all who are complaining about the customer service being non existent!
is this the guy who was in charge when the airport officials examined females in transit without their consent? And he is talking about trust and respect?
Absolutely right....
It was time for a change. I put Qatar on hold as my flights in 2022/23 for me and colleagues had been slipping. Shifted to Emirates biz and even EVA and all fine with that. Let see what really changes at Qatar.
Interesting that no one seems to explain what’s happened to Al Baker - I guess in the greater scheme of things it doesn’t matter - what I do know is that staff are now hoping that this might change the regime of fear and intimidation into a more open and sustainable relationship going forward - only time will tell
They certainly need to empower their ground staff. In my experience, when things go wrong most of them are clueless and useless.
Is this going to change Qatar Airways current policy for 1 cabin bag ONLY with 7kgs/15lbs?
Of course, it’s the new CEO first priority
Usually, the way it works in the most parts of the middle east is that the leader makes sure that nobody dares saying or doing anything except indicating how much trust and empowerment they have and that they are not afraid of anything. And that's how a culture of trust and empowerment is made.
Gotta laugh at your math...2 decades plus a decade at the construction company plus multiple degrees would put him in his mid 50s at the youngest
@ Matt -- Where are you getting the two decades plus one decade from? I wrote that he has spent two decades working in aviation, construction, and real estate development projects. That includes the previous project, and it sounds like that's the entirety of his work experience. Unless you read something that I didn't...?
I am sorry but I feel you are reading too much into it. It is a typical word salad with all typical corporate buzzwords in it
@ Ole -- Maybe I am. Qatar Airways has long used a lot of buzzwords (mostly about how the airline is best at everything), but the terms "trust" and "empowerment" aren't ones I've seen, even in corporate speak. So...
Typical CEO and corporate blather meant to sound impressive but is actually meaningless. You would do just just as well in trying to figure out their future actions by saving some chicken bones, dumping them on the ground, and trying to decipher what they are trying to tell you.
Sounds like the typical new era CEO blather when they can't or don't want to speak specifics.
That statement was absolutely written by a PR person and likely got little direct feedback from the principal. I wouldn't read to much into the statement.
We will see, but Qatar has really bad ground service almost to a point that they hate there passengers. None of the frontline employees are empowered to make decisions and occasionally show compassion.
Fully agree. Qatar is poor on the ground. And for the record I don't like their cramped q suites.
Qsuites aint cramped my boy.. time to stop them Mcdonalds..
When an OPEC member says their priority is "implementing sustainable aviation solutions", then you know everything they say is lip service.
Qatar is not a OPEC member. They moved out of it a couple years ago.
Be nice if he did an about face on the airline's first class retirement. Doubtful however
I would consider Michael O Leary to be the most outspoken CEO…but okay…it’s a different category
Fair point!
Sometimes in complex businesses you need a real detail oriented, fist pounding, single minded leader to set the tone.
Otherwise you become just another competitor that looks like everyone else.