Introducing Qatar Airways New CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer. In a significant leadership transition, Qatar Airways, the Qatari flag carrier, bid farewell to its longstanding Group CEO, HE Akbar Al Baker, who served for 27 years, and welcomed his successor, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, currently the Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (DOH) since 2014, has been pivotal in the airport’s transformation into a global aviation hub.
A Track Record of Excellence
Under Al Meer’s guidance, Hamad International Airport received prestigious recognition, being named the World’s Best Airport in both 2021 and 2022 by Skytrax, an airline and airport star rating program. In 2023, DOH continued its reign as the Best Airport in the Middle East for the ninth consecutive year, securing the second spot on the World’s Best Airports list.
Moreover, Al Meer demonstrated adept crisis management during the pandemic, introducing innovative technologies to ensure passengers enjoyed a seamless and hygienic journey through the airport. He also oversaw the successful opening of “The Orchard” in 2022, a vast indoor tropical garden as part of DOH’s expansion plan.
A Journey to Leadership
Before his tenure at DOH, Al Meer dedicated nine years to the United Development Company (UDC), a prominent public shareholding company in Qatar. He also held the position of Senior Vice President for the Facilities Management and Capital Projects divisions at the Qatar Airways Group. Al Meer’s educational background is as impressive as his professional career, holding dual engineering degrees from the American University of Beirut and the University of Colorado.
With his successful leadership at DOH, Al Meer brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to steer Qatar Airways toward growth and expansion.
Operational Goals
In his new role as CEO, Al Meer faces several immediate operational objectives. These include the restoration of services to previously suspended routes, such as Osaka (KIX), Penang (PEN), and Venice (VCE). Additionally, Al Meer will oversee Qatar Airways’ fleet expansion strategy, which includes the scheduled delivery of a substantial number of aircraft in the coming years, including Boeing 737 MAX 10s, 777-9s, and Airbus A350s.