Airlines Strategy
Qatar Airways Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater as Group CEO in 2025
Qatar Airways announces Hamad Ali Al-Khater as new Group CEO effective December 7, 2025, succeeding Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer during a period of record profits.
This article is based on an official press release from Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways Group has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. The transition, which became effective on Sunday, December 7, 2025, marks a significant leadership change for the Doha-based carrier as it continues to navigate a period of historic financial performance and strategic expansion.
According to the Airlines statement, Al-Khater succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who served as Group CEO for approximately two years following the departure of long-time leader Akbar Al Baker in late 2023. The appointment comes as the airline reinforces its focus on operational excellence and infrastructure integration, leveraging Al-Khater’s extensive background in aviation operations and the energy sector.
The Board of Directors, chaired by H.E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, expressed gratitude for Al-Meer’s service, noting his role in stabilizing the airline and launching the “Qatar Airways 2.0” vision. The leadership handover is described as immediate, ensuring continuity in the group’s strategic roadmap.
Mr. Al-Khater steps into the role with a dual background that combines high-level aviation management with strategic business development. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Hamad International Airports (HIA), the airline’s home hub.
In his capacity as COO, Al-Khater was responsible for the daily operations, safety, and reliability of the airport. His tenure at HIA involved overseeing strategic planning and infrastructure expansion initiatives designed to enhance the passenger experience at the facility, which serves as a critical global connector.
Before entering the aviation sector, Al-Khater held various senior positions at QatarEnergy. His work there focused on business development, deal execution, and strategic planning. The group noted that his expertise in managing large-scale strategic initiatives and complex commercial deals is expected to drive the airline’s future growth.
“Mr. Al-Khater brings a blend of high-level aviation operations experience and strategic business development expertise from the energy sector.”
Qatar Airways Group Press Release
The leadership transition occurs against a backdrop of robust financial health for the Qatar Airways Group. Under the tenure of the outgoing CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the airline reported record-breaking Financial-Results.
For the Fiscal Year 2024/2025, the Group reported a record net profit of QAR 7.85 billion (approximately US$ 2.15 billion), representing a 28% increase year-over-year. This financial stability has allowed the airline to pursue aggressive modernization and expansion strategies under the “Qatar Airways 2.0” banner, which focuses on innovation, Sustainability, and collaborative leadership.
Key initiatives launched or advanced during this period include:
The Airport-to-Airline Pipeline: The appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater follows a precedent set by his predecessor, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who also transitioned to the Group CEO role after leading Hamad International Airport. This pattern suggests a deliberate Strategy by the Board of Directors to tightly integrate the airline’s operations with its hub infrastructure. As HIA expands its capacity toward 65 million passengers annually, having a CEO with intimate knowledge of the airport’s operational mechanics is likely viewed as a critical asset for ensuring seamless passenger transfers and operational efficiency.
Energy Sector Discipline: Al-Khater’s background at QatarEnergy introduces a potential shift toward more rigorous corporate governance and long-term commercial sustainability. His experience in complex deal execution and strategic planning in the energy sector may influence how the airline approaches fuel hedging strategies and capital allocation, aligning the carrier more closely with Qatar’s broader economic diversification goals outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
When does the new appointment take effect? Who is the outgoing CEO? What is the financial status of Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways Group Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater as New Group CEO
A Profile of Leadership: Hamad Ali Al-Khater
Building on “Qatar Airways 2.0”
Financial Strength and Strategic Pillars
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Mr. Hamad Ali Al-Khater assumed the role of Group Chief Executive Officer on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
He succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who led the airline from November 2023 until December 2025.
The airline is currently in a strong financial position, having reported a record net profit of QAR 7.85 billion for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Sources
Photo Credit: Qatar Airways