Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways Group has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Al-Khater joins Qatar Airways from Hamad International Airport (HIA), where he served as Chief Operating Officer. In that capacity, he was responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations, driving strategic direction, infrastructure expansion, operational excellence, and continuously enhancing passenger experience.
Before his tenure at HIA, Al-Khater held senior roles across QatarEnergy, where he led business development, deal execution, and large-scale strategic and operational initiatives.
The decision to appoint Al-Khater was confirmed by the Qatar Airways Board of Directors. In a statement, Board Chairman Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi expressed gratitude to Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service, while welcoming Al-Khater and affirming the airline’s commitment to building on its “strong foundations and expansive global network.”
Qatar Airways remains a globally recognized leader in aviation. As per its latest corporate release, the carrier recently secured its ninth “World’s Best Airline” title at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. In addition, the airline continues to maintain a network spanning more than 170 destinations worldwide, operating through its Doha hub at Hamad International Airport.
With Al-Khater at the helm a leader with strong experience in airport operations, infrastructure and energy observers expect a leadership style focused on operational integrity, seamless integration between airline and airport operations, and a likely push toward further strategic growth.
Under Al-Khater’s leadership, Qatar Airways is positioned to continue its trajectory of excellence. The blend of his background in airport management and energy-sector strategic planning may lead to reinforced operational efficiencies, enhanced passenger experience and possibly further expansion of Qatar Airways’ global footprint.
