Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker has been elected as a new Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) of International Air Transport Association (IATA) which is effective from June 2018.
The rotating one-year term will commence at the end of IATA’s 2018 AGM and Al Baker will succeed current IATA BoG Chairman Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines.
Al Baker said, “I am honoured to have been chosen by my fellow board members to head this important body, at a time when the industry faces numerous challenges on a multitude of levels. To represent and lead the IATA Board of Governors is a tremendous privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent an industry that plays such a vital role in the global economy
“For more than two decades I have lived and breathed aviation, and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Governors to champion passenger rights and improve security standards across the industry, as well as continuing to promote the rights of freedom of flight for all”, said Al Baker.
Al Baker is one of the most recognizable figures in international aviation. His vision and commitment enabled the development of Qatar Airways from a small regional carrier into a major global airline in a span of just 20 years. 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 recognized 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 national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its twentieth year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.
IATA represents some 275 airlines comprising 83 per cent of global air traffic. The election of Al Baker to this prestigious post is a clear recognition of the leading role that he plays in a dynamic and highly competitive industry.
