Skift Take
Qatar Airways' Akbar Al Baker has been one of the most outspoken CEOs in the industry.
In a surprise announcement Monday, Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said that he is resigning from the airline, effective November 5. Al-Baker was appointed the CEO of Qatar Airways when it was founded in 1997 and has been at the forefront of building a world-class and innovative airline. Qatar Airways confirmed the resignation in a press release.
Al Baker was also CEO of group companies, such as Qatar Executive and Hamad International Airport. Under his stewardship, the airline, which started with just five aircraft in 1996, has grown to 258 aircraft.
In his note to employees, Al Baker wrote: “After 27 years of service, I am writing to you to announce that I will step down from the Qatar Airways Group. In 1996, with a fleet of just five aircraft, unwavering dedication, and a loyal and passionate team, together we embarked on a remarkable journey to aviation excellence. From that very first day, our journey has been nothing short of extraord