Qatar Airways names new CEO after just two years

State-owned Qatar Airways has appointed Hamad Al-Khater as its new chief executive officer, replacing Badr Al‑Meer after just two years.

Al-Khater took the job on December 7, but no reason was given for the leadership shift.

Al-Meer became CEO in November 2023, succeeding Akbar Al Baker after a 27-year stint at the airline’s helm.

Al-Khater joins Qatar Airways Group from Hamad International Airport, where he served as chief operating officer, the airline said in a statement.

His responsibilities in his previous job included ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations, overseeing infrastructure expansion, and enhancing the passenger experience.

The carrier faces growing competition from the UAE airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, and Saudi Arabia’s newly launched Riyadh Air.

Further reading:

• Qatar Airways shutdown highlights Gulf airspace risks
• Qatar Airways strives to avoid Etihad’s mistakes
• Qatar airport expansion boosts capacity to 65 million

Last month Qatar Airways agreed to sell its entire stake in Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways for $897 million.

In May the Gulf airline agreed to purchase up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X jets for $96 billion during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar.

The carrier flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.