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NEW DELHI: Qatar Group CEO Akbar Al Baker will step down from his position on November 5, 2023, after steering the airline for 27 years and seeing it grow from a fleet of five planes in 1996 to 284 now. In his multiple interactions with this reporter, Al Baker had shown a lot of interest in India — from picking up a stake in “good friend” Rahul Bhatia‘s IndiGo to starting an airline here. He had also reached out to Tatas to jointly bid for Air India in 2017-18. However, none of these India plans materialised. Al Baker had studied in India and had very fond memories of Air India which he used to travel as a child during his student days.
Al Baker said in a mail to employees Monday: “After 27 years of service, I am writing to you to announce that I will step down from the Qatar Airways Group. In 1996, with a fleet of just five aircraft, unwavering dedication, and a loyal and passionate team, together we embarked on a remarkable journey to aviation excellence. From that very first day, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Today Qatar Airways is among the finest airlines in the world in terms of passenger experience. Al Baker told employees the two biggest challenges seen by his airlines – something that is true for all carriers globally. “Our journey was not without its share of exceptional challenges, none more so than the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2020 global pandemic. But together, we faced these challenges head- on with courage and resilience, emerging stronger…”
“We’ve expanded our modern and fuel-efficient fleet to 248 aircraft, solidifying our position as one of the youngest airline fleets in the industry, serving over 160 destinations worldwide,” he said.
He thanked employees for creating the brand Qatar Airways is today. “Our company’s success is not mine alone; it belongs to each and every one of you – the talented individuals of the Qatar Airways family who have poured their passion, ingenuity and immense effort into every project, every challenge, and every triumph we’ve experienced together. I look back on the years with immense pride. You have not only made me, but also my beloved country proud. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me over the years.”
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead such an exceptional global team, and the honour of a lifetime to serve my country, and His Highness the Amir. As I step down from my role as Group Chief Executive on November 5, I do so with the utmost confidence in the extraordinary capabilities of the Qatar Airways family. My successor will be announced by the chairman of the board” he concludes.
Al Baker said in a mail to employees Monday: “After 27 years of service, I am writing to you to announce that I will step down from the Qatar Airways Group. In 1996, with a fleet of just five aircraft, unwavering dedication, and a loyal and passionate team, together we embarked on a remarkable journey to aviation excellence. From that very first day, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Today Qatar Airways is among the finest airlines in the world in terms of passenger experience. Al Baker told employees the two biggest challenges seen by his airlines – something that is true for all carriers globally. “Our journey was not without its share of exceptional challenges, none more so than the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2020 global pandemic. But together, we faced these challenges head- on with courage and resilience, emerging stronger…”
“We’ve expanded our modern and fuel-efficient fleet to 248 aircraft, solidifying our position as one of the youngest airline fleets in the industry, serving over 160 destinations worldwide,” he said.
He thanked employees for creating the brand Qatar Airways is today. “Our company’s success is not mine alone; it belongs to each and every one of you – the talented individuals of the Qatar Airways family who have poured their passion, ingenuity and immense effort into every project, every challenge, and every triumph we’ve experienced together. I look back on the years with immense pride. You have not only made me, but also my beloved country proud. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me over the years.”
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead such an exceptional global team, and the honour of a lifetime to serve my country, and His Highness the Amir. As I step down from my role as Group Chief Executive on November 5, I do so with the utmost confidence in the extraordinary capabilities of the Qatar Airways family. My successor will be announced by the chairman of the board” he concludes.
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