Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker participated in a panel discussion with Gulf Air CEO Samer Majali; Munich International Airport President and CEO Dr. Michael Kerkloh; and TAV Airports President and CEO Dr. Sani Sener. Topics during the discussion ranged from climate change and the current economic conditions to fuel price fluctuations.

Al Baker highlighted the need for the global aviation industry to push for standardised systems that would allow airlines to develop greater operational efficiencies and also drive down their carbon footprints. He also explained that the State of Qatar’s growing economic might have allowed a platform for local businesses to prosper and that this development had worked hand in hand with Qatar Airways’ continued growth.

“The airline has both flourished from, and helped to, facilitate the growth of the State of Qatar, a world leader in the export of natural gas and is continuing to grow at double digit pace, just like Qatar Airways,” said Al Baker.

He added that Qatar Airways had so far escaped the economic downturn unscathed.

“Qatar Airways is committed to growing. We have a proven long-term business model,” he said.

“We have made astute business decisions, such as having a clever fuel hedging policy, which served us well when oil prices were US$150 per barrel midway through last year, and we are investing in the future as demonstrated by our outstanding aircraft orders.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 29-Oct-09

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