New oneworld boss: Akbar Al Baker

The Qatar Airways Group Executive takes over as Chairman

The global airline alliance oneworld, based in the United States, is one of the most important alliances in aviation. It consists of 14 members whose network will fly to more than 1,000 destinations in 158 countries worldwide by the end of July 2021. The Board of Directors, which includes the CEOs of all member airlines, has now announced a new Chairman. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways Group, will take over from Alan Joyce, CEO Quantas Group, for the next two years. Akbar Al Baker will work closely with oneworld CEO Rob Gurney and the alliance's management team.


Important role

In recent months in particular, it has become clear how important passenger and cargo traffic are for the global economy. In addition to the joint mobilization of relief supplies and the provision of medical care, airlines have played an important role in the repatriation of stranded tourists. Now Akbar Al Baker wants to further expand global connectivity, the seamless travel experience and attractive loyalty offers for passengers. He has more than enough experience as an influential figure in the global aviation industry. Akbar Al Baker has led Qatar Airways since its inception in 1997, making him the longest serving CEO of a oneworld member.

His achievements include making Qatar Airways one of the most awarded airlines in the world. It will fly to more than 140 destinations by July 2021 and has been a member of oneworld since October 2013. From June 2018 to July 2019, Akbar Al Baker was Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He is also a member of the IATA Board of Governors and the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers Organization and a non-executive director of Heathrow Airport Holdings. He also serves as Secretary General of the Qatar National Tourism Council. He will continue in his role as Chairman of the oneworld Alliance for the next two years.

"I am honored to have been selected by my fellow board members to lead the oneworld board during one of the most challenging times the airline industry has ever experienced. The alliance, which has continued to grow with Alaska Airlines and Royal Air Maroc since the outbreak of COVID-19, has set numerous benchmarks for innovation, safety and customer service during the pandemic, with many members, including Qatar Airways, taking the lead in piloting digital health passports. Qatar Airways has also strengthened bilateral relationships with other oneworld members over the past 18 months, further underlining the strength of the partnerships between the airlines, said Akbar Al Baker."

Further information: www.oneworld.com,www.qatarairways.com