Qatar Airways hosts key IATA meeting in Doha
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker yesterday hosted the Chair Committee meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as part of his role as chairman of the IATA Board of Governors.
Al-Baker was joined by fellow IATA Board of Governors’ members, as well as several other key industry representatives at the meeting, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
“This week’s meeting was an invaluable opportunity for IATA members to come together and discuss a number of key issues currently facing the global airline industry,” al-Baker said.
“It is an incredible privilege to be in a position to work alongside such a respected and influential group of individuals, as well as help to lead discussion around the existing challenges and future direction of the industry I love.”
At the meeting, al-Baker received an award presented to Qatar Airways for its contribution to the ‘IATA Ground Operations Manual’.
“As one of the most recognisable figures in international aviation, the election of al-Baker to the prestigious post of chairman of the Board of Governors is a clear recognition of the leading role that he plays in the aviation industry,” Qatar Airways said in a statement.
“Under his leadership, Qatar Airways has become one of the world’s most highly-respected airlines, competing on a scale very few airlines achieve. Passengers have recognised the airline’s commitment to the values of safety, security, innovation and quality of service by awarding it the Skytrax Airline of the Year 2017, the fourth time it has received this award,” the statement added.
IATA represents some 290 airlines, accounting for 82% of global air traffic.
Qatar’s national carrier was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax.
It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, with a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.
The award-winning airline recently revealed a host of upcoming new global destinations, including Gothenburg (Sweden), Da Nang (Vietnam) and Mombasa (Kenya).