His Excellency Akbar Al Baker will, presumably, no longer be referred to as “Chief.” He is out as Qatar Airways Group CEO as of 5 November 2023 after 27 years at the helm, overseeing massive growth and success for the airline. The announcement was brief, skipping platitudes often offered to an outgoing leader. And it comes with almost no notice.
But, perhaps, there were signs over the past few weeks this was on the horizon.
Just last month Al Baker was feted at the APEX EXPO in Long Beach, receiving a lifetime achievement award. That’s not the sort of thing handed out to someone who is still in the heyday of their work.
Moreover, during an interview at the event BBC’s Aaron Heslehurst asked if Al Baker was “thinking of hanging up his hat.” Al Baker replied, “Yes, I would like to, but I’m not being allowed to. You know, I’m a civil servant and at the service of my country and I will be there as long as I’m required.”
Both the asking of that question – and the way Al Baker answered – now seem very telling.
Finally, I had the opportunity to ask a follow-up after the session in Long Beach. Al Baker used the phrase “as long as I’m in charge” in his response. In retrospect, that also seems a hint.
An impressive aviation legacy
From “bullshitting the competition” as a young start-up airline, convincing them Qatar Airways would not be a threat, to the carrier’s massive growth and reach across the globe, Al Baker has shaped the airline, the country, and the aviation world as a whole.
He also pushed suppliers perhaps more aggressively (or at least more publicly) than any other CEO across the same timespan. He demanded perfection, and was not shy about raking vendors across the coals when he did not receive it. That strained relationships. But, ultimately, the cachet of the Qatar Airways brand and a desire to be associated with it helped salve the wounds.
He’s always had a sharp wit and a sharp tongue, unafraid to unleash either when the time was right. Prepared statements were rarely compelling, but once he got off-script his acumen shined.
And, more than once it also got him into trouble. There was, for example, the time in Sydney when he said (maybe as a joke?) that an airline “has to be led by a man; it is a very challenging position.”
From a passenger perspective, Al Baker helped drive innovations we now embrace in cabin comfort. QSuites were developed under his watch, for example. More new options are in the pipeline, things he had a direct influence over.
There is almost certainly more to this story. Perhaps he really will just retire. Or maybe there’s another adventure awaiting him.
But, at least for now, “Chief” is out of the top spot.
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Ali says
Wouldn’t be surprised to see him part of Qatari gov’t