Qatar Airways CEO to serve on IATA board of governors

Qatar Airways CEO to serve on IATA board of governors

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has been unanimously nominated to serve on the influential Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

December 4, 2011 10:05 by Reuters

He was given the vote of confidence by the General Assembly of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) – a 27-member Arab regional aviation body – at its annual general meeting held in Abu Dhabi.

IATA serves the interests of more than 230 airlines globally – representing over 90 per cent of the world’s air transport – with Qatar Airways a member of the international body.

IATA’s Board of Governors is made up of a select-few airline bosses representing different parts of the world.

Al Baker, who was recently elected to AACO’s Executive Committee, said: “I am delighted that AACO sees fit to nominate me to serve on the IATA Board of Governors. This nomination will help further push the cause of AACO members on the global stage.

His nomination has to be ratified by IATA’s general assembly at its annual general meeting in Beijing next June.

Al Baker has been at the helm of Qatar Airways as CEO since its launch in 1997 and has since steered the Doha-based airline into an award-winning global carrier serving over 100 destinations with a modern fleet of more than 100 aircraft.