Qatar Airways Group appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater as group CEO, marking a leadership transition that comes at a time when global aviation and airport–airline integration requires sharper operational and strategic alignment.
Qatar Airways Group names Mr Hamad Ali Al-Khater group chief executive officer, effective 7 December 2025, succeeding Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer. The transition places an experienced aviation operations leader at the helm of one of the world’s most influential airline groups as sector-wide pressures — from network optimisation to passenger experience management — demand cohesive leadership across airline and airport ecosystems.
Al-Khater previously served as chief operating officer at Hamad International Airport, where he oversaw operational reliability, safety systems, strategic expansion and continuous passenger experience enhancement. His background in running a globally recognised hub airport provides direct relevance to the airline’s long-term priorities, which centre on efficiency, connectivity and brand strength across a destination-driven network model.
Career foundations rooted in large-scale operational strategy
Before joining Hamad International Airport, Al-Khater held senior roles within QatarEnergy, leading business development, deal execution and strategic initiatives. His experience managing complex, capital-intensive environments aligns with the structural demands of modern airline groups, where resilience, risk management and long-range planning increasingly shape executive decision-making.
His appointment comes as Gulf carriers continue to navigate shifting market dynamics, renewed long-haul demand and intensifying competition for premium travellers. For Qatar Airways Group, the link between airport performance, hub infrastructure and airline service proposition has become even more critical as the carrier maintains an expansive global network.
Board perspective on the leadership transition
Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors Chairman, His Excellency Mr Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Mr Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability and innovation to travellers around the globe.”
The statement underscores the board’s intention to maintain continuity while strengthening the organisation’s operational and strategic depth.
Implications for airline–airport integration and future competitiveness
As aviation enters a cycle shaped by evolving passenger expectations, environmental accountability and capacity constraints at major hubs, the alignment between airline strategy and airport operations has become a competitive differentiator. Al-Khater’s experience across both domains positions him to drive integrated decision-making, support fleet and network optimisation, and guide the group through macro-level industry shifts.
His appointment signals Qatar Airways Group’s continued prioritisation of operational resilience, service quality and long-term competitiveness across its global network — foundations that remain central to its strategy as a leading international airline.
