Problems continue in Nigeria
26th March 2012
Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer has stepped down, with his successor Hamad Ali Al-Khater stepping in immediately on Sunday (December 7).
Al-Meer was named CEO of the group in December 2023. He replaced the airline's long-serving CEO Akbar Al-Baker, who served for 27 years.
In a statement, Qatar Airways board of directors chairman Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service.”
The statement provided by the airline did not provide a quote from Al-Meer, nor a reason for his sudden departure with no transitionary period.
Prior to joining the airline, Al-Meer served as chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar since joining in 2014.
Similarly, Al-Meer's successor Al-Khater also previously served as chief operating officer at the airline's hub. Prior to serving at the airport, he held senior roles across QatarEnergy where he was responsible for driving business development, deal execution, and leading large-scale initiatives.
Qatar Airways' new CEO Hamad Ali Al-Khatar
“With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe,” said Al-Kaabi.
During Al-Meer's tenure, the airline made a landmark order in May 2025 for up to 210 Boeing widebody jets, including 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9s, including options for 50 more. In the year prior, the airline had ordered 20 additional 777-9s.
More recently, Qatar sold its entire 9.6% stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for $897 million in November 2025. The Gulf carrier had purchased its stake in the airline in 2017 and was its third largest shareholder.
The stake was sold to Swire Pacific and Air China, who are the largest shareholders of Cathay Pacific. Once completed, Swire Pacific's and Air China's stakes in the airline will increase to 47.7% and 37.8%, respectively.
Qatar Airways will continue to collaborate with Cathay Pacific through their existing codeshare and alliance agreements.
In May 2025, the airline had reported its strongest ever fiscal year net profit with a $2.15bn result for 2024/25, marking a 28% increase from the previous annual period.