In a defining moment for Qatar’s aviation leadership, Qatar Airways Group has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The appointment signals a renewed strategic direction for the national carrier as it strengthens its global network and continues its legacy of operational excellence.
Al-Khater succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who has served the airline group with distinction. Qatar Airways Group extended its appreciation to Al-Meer for his contribution to advancing one of the world’s most awarded airlines.
A Proven Leader in Aviation and Energy
Prior to joining Qatar Airways Group, Hamad Ali Al-Khater served as Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA)—one of the fastest-growing and most advanced airports globally. During his tenure, he oversaw:
- Strategic operational planning
- Passenger experience enhancements
- Infrastructure expansions
- Safety, security, and operational reliability
Al-Khater’s leadership at HIA solidified the airport’s reputation as a global hub of innovation and service excellence.
Before his aviation career, Al-Khater held several high-impact roles at QatarEnergy, where he led strategic business development, international partnerships, and major operational initiatives—experience that now strengthens his leadership capacity at Qatar Airways.
Board Endorsement and National Significance
His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Chairman of Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors, stated:
“As we welcome Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways. This leadership transition reaffirms our commitment to world-class experiences, operational reliability, and aviation innovation.”
Al-Khater now steps into a pivotal role as Qatar Airways advances its position as a global aviation leader and enhances its contribution to Qatar National Vision 2030 through connectivity, tourism growth, and international trade facilitation.
A New Era for Qatar’s Flagship Carrier
With global travel demand rising and Qatar positioning itself as a central aviation and logistics hub, the newly appointed CEO is expected to:
- Strengthen Qatar Airways’ international partnerships
- Expand strategic routes and fleet modernisation
- Accelerate digital transformation and customer-experience innovation
- Drive sustainable aviation initiatives
Industry analysts view this appointment as a significant milestone in the airline’s evolution, reinforcing Qatar Airways’ role as a catalyst for economic diversification and global connectivity.
