New Flight Path: Qatar Airways Taps Hamad Al-Khater as Group CEO

Updated: December 07, 2025 20:29

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Qatar Airways Group has appointed Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group CEO, effective December 7, 2025, marking a significant leadership change as the airline looks to strengthen its global network and passenger offerings under his guidance.

In a major leadership shift, Qatar Airways Group has named Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective from December 7, 2025. The move marks the end of Badr Mohammed Al-Meer’s two-year tenure at the helm, following a period of robust recovery and expansion for the airline. Al-Khater steps into the role from his previous position as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, bringing with him a wealth of experience in aviation operations, strategic planning, and passenger experience enhancement.

Leadership Transition Details

New CEO: Hamad Ali Al-Khater officially takes over as Group CEO of Qatar Airways Group, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Immediate Effect: The appointment is effective from today, December 7, 2025, as announced by the airline’s board of directors.
Predecessor’s Tenure: Badr Mohammed Al-Meer led Qatar Airways for two years, overseeing critical fleet modernization and navigating global aviation challenges.

Who is Hamad Al-Khater?

Aviation Expertise: Al-Khater was most recently the Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, where he played a key role in driving operational excellence and passenger-centric innovations.
Industry Background: Prior to his airport leadership, he held senior positions at QatarEnergy and other oil and gas firms, accumulating over a decade of experience in business development and strategic management.
Education: He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with Marketing from the University of Kent and has completed executive leadership programs at the Qatar Leadership Center.

Strategic Vision Ahead

Synergy Focus: With deep roots in both airport and airline operations, Al-Khater is expected to leverage synergies between Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport to enhance global connectivity.
Growth Initiatives: Experts anticipate a strong focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and expanding codeshare partnerships as Qatar Airways eyes a $6 billion investment in new routes by 2030.
Passenger Experience: His background suggests continued emphasis on operational reliability and elevating the overall travel experience for passengers worldwide.

Sources: Qatar Airways Newsroom, Bloomberg, Gulf News, Livefromalounge, AviationA2Z

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