Farnborough: Akbar Al Baker wins leadership award at Airline Strategy Awards in London

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker has been honoured with an Airline Business accolade for leadership at the annual Airline Strategy Awards held in London.

Al Baker was recognised by the editorial team of the highly acclaimed UK-based aviation industry magazine for his leadership and strategy in developing the Doha-based airline from a small fledgling carrier to a global network business.

In accepting his award, Al Baker paid tribute to employees of Qatar Airways for helping make the airline the success it is today by helping lead the way in service and standards within a highly competitive global industry.

“Qatar Airways has come a long way in just 15 short years and it is an honour to accept this award and be recognised by the prestigious magazine Airline Business read by true aviation professionals the world over,” said Al Baker. “I believe we have made huge strides in a highly competitive aviation world to become one of the best airlines and it is therefore a privilege to be honoured.

“We are today the second largest airline in the Middle East in passenger numbers and one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and have come a long way over the past 15 years.This recognition clearly demonstrates our ability to prove to the global marketplace that Qatar Airways can successfully compete in the international arena. There is no better place than to be here during the Farnborough Air Show week where Qatar Airways is showcasing its first new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising the bar in luxury travel which other airlines are only trying to copy.”

Al Baker concluded: “I’m excited that a new era of air travel with an unrivalled passenger experience is imminent, with Qatar Airways committed to expand with one of the youngest and most technically advanced fleets in the industry.”