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Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker (right) receives the leadership award from Airline Business editor Max Kingsley-Jones |
UK. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker received an award for leadership at the annual Airline Strategy Awards, organised by Airline Business magazine. At the ceremony, held in London, Al Baker’s stewardship of Qatar Airways was recognised as central to the Doha-based carrier’s emergence as a key global network, often cited among the world’s best.
The award was made as the airline industry gathers in the UK for the Farnborough Air Show, at which Qatar Airways will display its first new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Accepting the award, Al Baker paid tribute to the airline’s staff who, he said, had helped Qatar Airways set new standards in customer service.
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Akbar Al Baker addresses guests at the annual Airline Strategy Awards in London |
“Qatar Airways has come a long way in just 15 short years and it is an honour to accept this award and be recognised by Airline Business, read by true aviation professionals the world over,” said Al Baker.
“I believe we have made huge strides in a highly competitive aviation world to become one of the best airlines and it is therefore a privilege to be honoured in front of such distinguished guests this evening.
“We are today the second-largest airline in the Middle East in passenger numbers and one of the world’s fastest growing airlines.
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The winners of the Airline Strategy Awards line up after the ceremony |
“This recognition clearly demonstrates our ability to prove to the global marketplace that Qatar Airways can successfully compete in the international arena. There is no better place than to be here during Farnborough Air Show week, where Qatar Airways is showcasing its first new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising the bar in luxury travel which other airlines are only trying to copy.
“I’m excited that a new era of air travel with an unrivalled passenger experience is imminent, with Qatar Airways committed to expand with one of the youngest and most technically advanced fleets in the industry.”
Airline Business Editor Max Kingsley-Jones said: “The airline industry is prone to constant threats – be they economic, political, or operational – and only those carriers exhibiting strong leadership will be equipped to prosper.
“Al Baker is a shining example of an exemplary leader with a focus on the job in hand – a leader who is not shy to speak his mind when negotiating with manufacturers for new aircraft. He has transformed Qatar Airways from a small regional player into a global network carrier to rival the best in the world.
“The Airline Strategy Awards, which are now in their second decade, have consistently recognised high achievers in boardroom leadership – and we are delighted Al Baker is the recipient of this year’s Airline Business award.”
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