Strategic Leadership Transition Announced for December 2025
Qatar Airways has named Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its next Group Chief Executive Officer, initiating a significant leadership transition for one of the aviation industry’s most awarded global carriers. The airline announced that Al-Khater will officially assume the role on 7 December 2025, succeeding Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer as part of what it described as a long-term strategic continuity plan.
Headquartered in Doha and operating from its primary hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Airways emphasized that the leadership change is designed to reinforce the Group’s operational reliability, service standards, and global competitiveness.
Experience at Hamad International Airport Shapes New CEO’s Mandate
Al-Khater joins Qatar Airways Group from Hamad International Airport, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. In that high-profile role, he oversaw airport safety, operational performance, infrastructure expansion, and long-range planning initiatives. His tenure was marked by ongoing improvements in passenger experience at an airport consistently ranked among the best in the world.
The airline said his appointment reflects the Group’s ongoing focus on operational discipline and sustainable growth. With DOH serving as the backbone of Qatar Airways’ hub-and-spoke model, the company expects Al-Khater’s airport expertise to strengthen alignment between airline operations and hub capacity planning.
Before joining the airport, Al-Khater held senior roles at QatarEnergy, where he focused on business development, large-scale operational delivery, and complex deal execution. This blend of aviation infrastructure and energy-sector leadership is expected to bring what the Group describes as a risk-aware, performance-oriented approach to its next phase of expansion.
Chairman Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi Praises Outgoing CEO
Qatar Airways Group Chairman, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, expressed appreciation for the work of outgoing CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, underscoring the stability and continuity the transition represents.
As stated in the press release, the Group “aims to build on its strong global network and operational foundations under the new leadership.” The company added that the transition underscores Qatar Airways Group’s commitment to maintaining world-class service standards, operational reliability, and long-term competitiveness.
Industry-Leading Performance Sets High Bar for New Leadership
The leadership change comes at a time when Qatar Airways continues to secure global recognition. The airline was named World’s Best Airline for the ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, reaffirming its status as a premium carrier with a reputation for excellence.
It also continues to earn top distinctions for World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, reinforcing its competitive advantage in the global premium-travel segment.
Qatar Airways operates to more than 170 destinations across six continents through its Doha hub. Hamad International Airport itself has earned repeated honors as the Best Airport in the Middle East and previously as the World’s Best Airport, reflecting the strong synergy between the airline and its home base.
Sustainability and Global Standards Remain Central Priorities
As Qatar Airways enters this next phase of leadership, sustainability and compliance with international standards remain key focus areas.
The airline was the first in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment programme. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the first global airline certified under the Buckingham Palace Declaration framework, which supports global efforts to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking.
These achievements, the Group said, will continue to guide its environmental and governance strategy as it prepares for long-term growth.
A New Chapter for One of the World’s Leading Airlines
Al-Khater’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Qatar Airways as it seeks to balance operational discipline with continued network expansion. With its strong brand reputation, award-winning service, and strategic hub in Doha, the airline is positioning itself to reinforce its leadership in an increasingly competitive global aviation landscape.
Further details are expected as the Group outlines its strategic road map ahead of the December 2025 leadership transition.
