USA. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Akbar Al Baker is celebrating his CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour bestowed on him at the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)/IFSA Awards Ceremony in Long Beach, California on 20 September.
The award is given to industry leaders for their “dedication, efforts and commitment to enhancing passenger experience”.
APEX is a non-profit association representing the world’s largest international airlines. Its mission is to enhance passenger experience with the support of major airlines in cooperation with both the International Flight Services Association and Future Travel Experience.
The APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award received by Al Baker has only been given six times since the organisation was established in 1979.
This prestigious honour is selectively awarded to industry leaders and visionaries for their commitment and contributions to the aviation sector.
Aside from the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, the highly regarded business leader accepted three other awards for the airline.
Qatar Airways also won the 2024 APEX World Class Award, APEX Award for Best Entertainment in the Middle East and the APEX Award for Global Best Food & Beverage (as reported, Qatar Airways-owned Qatar Duty Free also won Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year, one of six global awards and a host of other accolades at The Moodie Davitt Report’s Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards held in Bangkok last week).
The awards were based exclusively on certified passenger votes.
Al Baker said: “I am honoured to accept the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association. Over the last decades, Qatar Airways has grown to become one of the most recognisable and trusted names in the industry, synonymous with customer service quality and luxury.
“It is owing to the dedication of our employees across the world that our award-winning airline continues to outperform at the highest level of our industry.
“I am also proud of the three awards Qatar Airways has received, granted by our passengers, taking home the Awards for best World Class Airline, Best Entertainment in the Middle East, and Global Best Food & Beverage.
“I would like to thank our passengers as well as the APEX team for their recognition and we aim to continue to surpass all expectations for Qatar Airways in the years to come.”
APEX Chief Executive Officer Dr Joe Leader added: “In honouring His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker with the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, APEX celebrates a true pioneer in aviation. H.E. Mr Al Baker’s leadership at Qatar Airways embodies the spirit of innovation, marrying the grandeur of Qatari tradition with an unyielding commitment to passenger excellence.
“Whether it is the trailblazing Qsuite experience, an exceptional in-flight entertainment library, or the airline’s unwavering focus on health during unprecedented times, his legacy paints a mosaic of dedication, foresight, and a relentless drive for perfection.”
He continued: “Under his masterful oversight, Qatar Airways has not just flown. The airline has soared, setting benchmarks that inspire our entire industry. As he receives this well-deserved accolade, we, at APEX, extend our deepest admiration for a leader who has truly redefined the skies.” ✈
