Qatar Airways Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater as CEO to Lead Airline into New Era of Global Excellence and Innovation

Published on December 9, 2025

In a significant leadership shift, Qatar Airways has announced the appointment of Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater as the Group’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective from Sunday, December 7, 2025. Al-Khater, who succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, takes the helm at a time when Qatar Airways continues to dominate the global aviation industry, having recently earned the title of ‘World’s Best Airline’ for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

Al-Khater’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the airline, as he brings over two decades of experience in aviation and strategic operations, including his highly successful tenure at Hamad International Airport. As the Chief Operating Officer at the world-renowned airport, Al-Khater led operations to achieve global excellence, overseeing major infrastructure expansions and ensuring a seamless experience for millions of passengers each year. With Qatar Airways’ international expansion and continued focus on innovation, Al-Khater’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the airline’s position as a global aviation leader.

Hamad Ali Al-Khater: A Visionary Leader for Qatar Airways

Al-Khater is no stranger to leadership in the aviation and infrastructure sectors. Before his time at Hamad International Airport, he held several senior positions at QatarEnergy, where he was instrumental in driving business development and managing high-level strategic initiatives. His experience in leading large-scale projects and fostering operational excellence has prepared him to step into the role of CEO at Qatar Airways.

In a statement from His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Chairman of Qatar Airways Group, the appointment was warmly welcomed. Al-Kaabi expressed the airline’s gratitude for Al-Meer’s service, stating, “With Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater’s proven track record in operational excellence and strategic direction, we are excited to build on the strong foundations of Qatar Airways and continue to enhance the global airline network, creating exceptional experiences for travelers worldwide.”

Al-Khater’s expertise in managing complex infrastructure projects and his focus on innovation in passenger experience will play a critical role as Qatar Airways embarks on its next phase of growth. With a global fleet flying to over 170 destinations, the airline’s growth under Al-Khater’s leadership is poised to further reinforce its standing in the aviation industry.

Qatar Airways Achieves Unprecedented Recognition and Milestones

Under the leadership of Engr. Al-Meer, Qatar Airways set a high bar for excellence, winning multiple accolades, including the coveted ‘World’s Best Airline’ title at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Qatar Airways has maintained its dominance in the global aviation industry, having previously been named ‘World’s Best Airline’ in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Not only has the airline been recognized for its outstanding service, but it has also earned accolades in various categories, such as ‘World’s Leading Airline Business Class 2025’, ‘World’s Leading Airline to the Middle East 2025’, and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline 2025’. Additionally, Qatar Airways was voted ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ for the 13th time, solidifying its reputation as a premier global travel provider.

In tandem with its award-winning service, Hamad International Airport has consistently been recognized as ‘The World’s Best Airport’ in 2021, 2022, and 2024. This is a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing not only a world-class in-flight experience but also a seamless journey through its state-of-the-art hub.

Qatar Airways Continues to Innovate: Environmental Commitment and Industry Firsts

Qatar Airways is not just a leader in passenger service but is also committed to innovation and sustainability. The airline was the first in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, demonstrating its commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Moreover, Qatar Airways has been a pioneer in combating illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation. As the first airline globally to be certified under the Buckingham Palace Declaration, Qatar Airways is setting a global standard for environmental and ethical responsibility in the aviation industry.

A Bright Future for Qatar Airways Under New Leadership

As Hamad Ali Al-Khater takes the reins of Qatar Airways, the airline remains focused on delivering excellence in every aspect of its operations. From providing unmatched business-class services to expanding its global network, Qatar Airways’ future under Al-Khater’s leadership looks bright.

For passengers, this means more innovative solutions, enhanced in-flight experiences, and continued commitment to safety and sustainability. With the airline’s ever-growing global footprint and its ongoing efforts to provide world-class service, Qatar Airways is set to continue shaping the future of air travel.

Conclusion: Setting the Bar for Global Aviation Excellence

The appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as Qatar Airways Group CEO is a pivotal moment in the airline’s history. With a proven record in both operational excellence and strategic leadership, Al-Khater is expected to build on Qatar Airways’ legacy of innovation and service. As the airline continues to lead the industry with exceptional experiences for travelers worldwide, Al-Khater’s appointment signals a strong future for both Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport as global aviation leaders.

As the aviation industry recovers and grows, Qatar Airways remains at the forefront of setting new standards for customer service, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency. Under Al-Khater’s visionary leadership, Qatar Airways is positioned to soar to even greater heights, continuing to define the future of global air travel.

Image Source: Qatar Airways