Al Baker slams former IATA director general over book claims

While not naming Bisignani directly, Qatar boss Akbar Al Baker, referred to the former DG’s book ‘Shaking the Skies’.

“For him to claim he was a superman in IATA is far from the truth,” Al Baker said. “There were a lot of ambiguities in the way business was done and it was a one man show.”

Al Baker said “This person mentioned to the press that he went over and above IATA’s board of governors and went directly to AGM to get a climate change resolution approved. This is not correct. It is a perceived lie. The Board approved the climate resolution before it went to AGM. Nothing happens in IATA without it going through board of governors.”

Now an elected member of the board, Al Baker said he found the claim offensive and said “I will not accept any present or past individual undermine the credibility of IATA and its board of governors. I have asked the IATA director general to send a strong rebuttal and not allow to this person attend any future AGM of IATA.

Asked about the current climate change issue, Al Baker called on governments to stop bickering about climate change and let airlines handle the challenge. “In turn, the airlines should let IATA handle it. IATA has has a capable management in place. Tony [Tyler] is a very fine administrator and is airline man. Governments shouldn’t get involved in a business they hardly understand.”

As the industry prepares to address the EU ahead of a decision on the postponed –and hugely criticised – emissions trading scheme (ETS) Al Baker had a simple message. “Please allow IATA to lead the airline community in finalising the climate change issues with ICAO. We have short time frame, a small window and we should not let this window be lost.”