Qatar Airways has announced that Badr Al Meer will take on the role of CEO of Qatar Airways Group following the retirement of Akbar al Baker, who recently completed 27 years of service with the company. Al Meer's distinguished career has been built over two decades, pioneering multibillion-dollar aviation, construction and real estate development projects, while reflecting Qatar's succession planning for a new generation of leaders.
Since 2014, Al Meer has served as Director of Operations at Hamad International Airport, leading critical divisions such as MATAR – the Qatar Airport Operations and istration company, Qatar Duty-Free, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aviation Catering Company, Qatar Distribution Center , Dhiafatina Hotels, and Qatar Airways Global Real Estate.
During his tenure at Hamad International Airport, Al Meer skillfully guided the airport through important milestones and unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a 10 billion QAR ($2,7 billion) expansion project and the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup – which saw the airport welcome more than a million visitors. His leadership also played a key role in Hamad International Airport being named “Best Airport in the World” (2021 and 2022) and “Best Airport in the Middle East” (for nine consecutive years) by the prestigious SKYTRAX Worls Airport Awards, the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey in the world.
Before ing Hamad International Airport, he spent a decade at United Development Company (UDC), a Qatari public company and the Gulf state's leading construction company, eventually rising to the role of acting CEO. During this period, he oversaw the delivery of UDC's flagship development, the Pearl Project, a renowned urban development project in Qatar celebrated for its architectural design.
With engineering degrees from the American University of Beirut and the University of Colorado, Al Meer brings to the role a solid educational background and a wealth of business acumen and technical knowledge in engineering, construction and development of large-scale initiatives. In his new role as Group CEO, Al Meer's track record of successful projects and aviation experience uniquely positions him to lead the Qatar Airways Group into an exciting new era.
Last week, Qatar Airways Group reported rising profits of US$1,026 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2023-2024, an increase of more than 100% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. enger levels also grew, increasing by 22% to 19 million. The airline's profits were ed by the return of the Airbus A350 fleet to service, partnership with oneworld and other strategic alliances in China, Europe and Australasia.
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