Qatar Airways Group has named Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 December 2025, marking a significant leadership shift for the airline widely regarded as one of the world’s best.
Al-Khater takes over from Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who assumed the role two years ago following the tenure of long-time CEO Akbar Al Baker. During his period as chief, Al-Meer steered the airline through strategic restructuring and continued growth.
A Leader with Proven Operational Expertise
Prior to joining Qatar Airways Group, Al-Khater served as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport (HIA). In that role, he was responsible for key areas such as operational reliability, safety standards and major expansion programmes — efforts that helped HIA retain its title as the Best Airport in the Middle East and secure the World’s Best Airport accolade from Skytrax in 2024.
Before entering aviation, Al-Khater held senior positions at QatarEnergy, where he managed high-level deal execution, business development and strategic initiatives. His diverse background is expected to enhance collaboration between Qatar Airways and its home hub, supporting the Group’s aims in network optimisation, operational reliability and sustainable long-term growth.
Qatar Airways Set for Next Phase of Expansion
The airline continues to post strong post-pandemic results, achieving 15% passenger growth and recording a US$2.15 billion profit in the previous fiscal year. With rising competition from regional carriers such as Emirates and Etihad, Qatar Airways is focusing heavily on innovation, digital transformation and sustainability.
It has also outlined a US$6 billion expansion strategy to grow its global route network and strengthen international partnerships by 2030.
Board Backs New Leadership Vision
Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors Chairman, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”
Qatar Airways has been named World’s Best Airline nine times at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, most recently in 2025. The airline is also recognised as an industry pioneer in sustainability, being the first in the Middle East to reach the highest tier of IATA’s Environmental Assessment programme and the first global airline certified under the Buckingham Palace Declaration against illegal wildlife trafficking.
