Well here’s an announcement that I didn’t see coming…
Continue reading: Qatar Airways Gets New CEO, Effective Immediately: What Went Wrong?!
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I'm not in a position to rule out the possibility of the outgoing CEO having left on bad terms, but the lack of a transition period may also be the result of health or family issues.
Some of us believe that there are things in life that are more important than work!
I’m Platinum / emerald with Qatar for 4 years in row (and gold for 8 years before tan ). I’m having around 40-60 flights a year with QR a year.
My experience as a FF with Qatar is that it has
Gotten much worse over the last 2/3 years, “ especially the ground service has declined to an awfull state
Sheik Hamad Al-Thani the first CEO was replaced in an overnight Coup by Al-Baker in Nov 1996. He as we know resigned and had an almost immediate replacement in Al-Meer and now he is replaced by Al -Khater. Nothing to see here.
It isn’t related to health or family matters. From what I gathered… Al-Meer was dismissed from his job this morning, he didn’t even know it was coming. Sad to see a decent person leave after all the positive things he did for the company and specially after treating his employees like humans, instead of slaves. Let’s hope for the best.
Perhaps he just didn't like the job?
Just because there was no notice period, doesn't mean that the CEO didn't notify the airline that he wanted to quit.
Qatar has declined materially in the last year or two. Its ground service is abysmal. And it has made some very low cost carrier decision. Partnering with any airline at any cost (wh Indigo, Air Algeria, Virgin Australia) and operating 236-seat 321neo. Maybe a reset is required.
Why are you supporting an airline from a country that's the world's largest state sponsor of terror, and is both anti-Jewish and anti-gay?
@ Jessica -- I am reporting on a management change at a major airline, as I would do for any airline of this size. And I am praising an individual for the humanity he showed toward employees.
@ PlanetAvgeek -- He's a Qatari national, so it's hard to imagine he would want to give up one of the country's most powerful and global jobs voluntarily, especially since he worked in aviation before. It's of course not totally impossible, but it seems highly unlikely to me.
Abrupt changes within governments, businesses, families, etc. happen. The lack of a transition period or any notice suggests a falling-out between the leaders. Probably something really petty, one assumes.
As a passenger, regardless of the country's underlying issues (*cough* Hamas *cough* mistreating migrant workers *cough*), it's still a well-run airline; I've shared my gripes with other airlines from countries with similar issues, too (see, Turkish, authoritarian Erdogan, etc., good food, though, and the new IST airport is nice, eh.)
All that said, Q-suite is objectively awesome as a business class product (other than JAL a35K, ANA The Room, I think it's still the best); DOH, especially with the new expansion, is an objectively incredible airport (better than DXB and SIN, in my opinion).
Oh, and please do call me a hypocrite. I can take it.
Also, I know that any airline can burn you, so, I guess I'm just luck so far with QR. They really did me a solid during the pandemic when practically no other airline was flying. Anyhoo...
BZ, QR's strength is long-haul, wide-body, Q-suite business class.
Yeah, short-haul, narrow-body with them or their partners is a mixed bag. Had booked QR once for DOH-KGL expecting 787 lie-flat; got Rwandair 737 recliner and food poisoning instead... not the same. (Ok, see, now that I think of it, QR sorta burned me once. Bah!)
Oh, Ben, lets not be naive; he was forced out, for sure. No notice, no transition. Bah. No one leaves that cushy job on a whim.
Perhaps this new CEO will unban Josh Cahill… I’m just hoping this new CEO won’t be greedy and only care about publicity which is what Qatar Airways has been doing for a long time (especially after they banned Josh Cahill)
If true, that's fair; but, it doesn't seem like it, because if it were a health-related issue, then there could've been adequate notice or a transition period; this smells of pettiness. If we wanna speculate, let's say it was... blackmail! Ooh!
Could be. Corruption is a cancer, anywhere and everywhere. Qatar, Russia, even the US. Wish we'd actually do something about that, instead of just propping up tyrants and tax cuts for billionaires.
But you constantly promote and hype up this airline, as you do with Emirates and Etihad as well for that matter.
@ Jessica -- Okay, two can play this game. You recently wrote in a comment about how you like Turkish Airlines (while criticizing a take of mine, of course). Does that mean you support all the policies of the Turkish government? If not, how can you "support" the airline?
See, this is kind of silly, no?
What First class? Like regional ME flights? Or actual a380, Cathay-inherited 773, ‘First,’ because most of their aircraft are 2-class, Business and Economy.
Ben, QR, EK, and EY are objectively better than TK. Full stop.
I didn’t realize Jessica was in-the-bag for Erdogan. How sad. Now, I pity her. Oof.
It seems that BZ believes Chris because BZ made a similar comment about the ground service (see above).
Good distinction, Aaron. Bad faith actors conflate the two all the time. Plenty of Jewish people and Israelis who are no fan of Netanyahu’s administration, just as ample Americans do not support Trump or his policies. Those who ignore that nuance know better (or should know better.)
@ Chris L
I flew QR in April from IAD to the Maldives. I had absolutely no issues with the ground service. Onboard: crew were excellent. Food was very good. The garden lounge was very good.
My only complaint was the rear facing Q-Suites. Perhaps he wanted to rip them out... One can only hope...
LOL, the world doesn’t revolve around ‘influencers’… hardly anyone actually cares about Josh or his ‘plight’ with QR or any other airline he picked a fight with.
Wonder how much AG Bondi still gets from Qatar. Like, was it a few mill, or a lot more? Or did she just do it for the ‘love of the game,’ and a few roundtrip tickets to Istanbul.. sorry, I meant, Doha. Hey, totally unrelated, but how’s Mayor Adams doing these days anyway? Did he get pardoned yet? jUsT aSkInG qUeStIoNs *burp*
Justindev, epic, how was MLE’s new terminal? I have a trip in the new year and have been eager to see it. The old one was super dated. Overdue!
Well, I think he has been unbanned. I saw him post instagram stories of the QSuites a few days ago.
Maybe the new CEO has been installed to “re-ban him” :p
Lee, yeah, some folks here just astroturf with multiple aliases; like, have some self-respect and stick to the same monikers y’all… then, by all means, brigade away.
It's a major airline and a sovereign country can be as anti-gay as they want. Anyone in their right mind would be anti jew.
Qatar isn't sponsoring terrorism. The USA is the world's largest sponsor of terrorism, along with Israel. Liar.
Qatar is way cleaner than the US (cough israel).
DXB is better except for the amazing QR lounges designed by Milan-based ACPV.
Qatar is way cleaner than the US (cough israel).
DXB is better except for the amazing QR lounges designed by Milan-based ACPV.
I have no idea what the cause of this was. My hunch is that there are some political, in the loose sense of the word, issues at stake.
The fact that employees have been treated better in the last couple of years is an unalloyed good for everyone, and I hope that continues under the new CEO. That said, the cost cuts on the passenger experience over the last 18 months are real, and have been quite noticeable especially in terms of lounges and onboard catering. Hopefully those will be reversed.
Probably due to the poor and declining QR product, I've had a handful of mediocre flights with them this year, constantly running out of food options in business class. Average to rude service, like ignoring the do not disturb button. Someone needs to run a tighter ship.
Al Safwa lounge is honestly a disaster with all the amenities being occupied for hours upon hours.
@1990:
I flew in and out of the old, hot, uncomfortable terminal as the new one wasn't in operation as yet. Even with the separate queue for first and business class pax, it was still a miserable experience. The new terminal looked good though from the little I saw of it.
It's honestly pretty alarming to see one person post so much. They have posted over a quarter of the comments here, some with long-winded diatribes.
It's a recurring pattern across most articles too, nonstop replying to other people with shitposts, trolling, and generally useless fluff.
Or perhaps BZ and chris are the same person.
Or perhaps BZ, Chris and you are the same person.
Austen,
Do you honestly believe the world revolves around a YouTuber? You think the CEO of one of the largest and most complex airline operations in the world sits around and thinks about this kind of stuff?
Fake Jessica, stop with this offensive nonsense. If you don't like the article, don't read it.
I'm not entirely surprised based on flights we've had in the past couple of years - though I admit those are a drop in the bucket.
We have had some of the worst service on board (inconsistent and rude), we had long haul where the food was inedible (not even heated properly). This wasnt the airline we had come to love. It was "just another airline" once on board.
I applaud the better treating of employees but maybe they lost some discipline along with that?
Sorry Ben, but I think this is for the better. I'm a frequent user of QR and I think their soft product has gone very downhill since Al-Baker left. I know you only fly business or first, but QR has seriously declined in Economy - from cutting meal services, options, and from downright indifferent flight attendants who just don't do their jobs as they should.
Even in Business, service these days has definitely gone downhill over the last five years. There has to be a balance between Al-Baker's discipline and vision and Meer's employee-first strategy.
Oh, not to mention, that shocking 236-seat sardine can A321neo that QR, a supposedly "premium carrier", insists on using. One that I am unfortunately needing to use soon!
When will we stop pretending these Mideast crime families are "governments" that have any interest in running a "business," like an airline, for a profit?
The self-own is real lmao
No stranger would care about this very specific call-out, so you must be their alt as well.
Concur on QR Business soft product getting worse and food options running out on every leg of our flight. Even got Qatar’ed less than 2 hours before departure, but nonetheless we needed to travel for work and can’t hang around for the next flight just for a QSuite. But it’s just bad… all that expectation sent crashing down in the last 2 years or so. Discipline needs to be restored before the pride of being part of a well-run aifline can set in.
@Aaron, while being against zionism (and any other forms of nationalism) is good, I’d say they’re anti-Jewish.
Hamas, which is funded by Qatar, wants to establish an Islamic state in Palestine, which by definition is anti-Jewish (and anti-all other religions ofc). This also means they’re just as nationalist as the most extreme Zionists.
Also, Hamas doesn’t recognize Israel and the country doesn’t appear on QR’s in-flight map (yes, I know Israel isn’t a theocracy or confessional state and doesn’t have a state religion, but it is of course one of the only Jewish-majority country & some laws have influence from Judaism).
QR plans to introduce first class on a "high number of their B777-9".
The now ex CEO said the seat was about 80% complete.
In that part of the world, family issues includes other people having an issue with one's family.
E.g. a child eloped and father does not completely cut them off (see La Traviata Act 2)
It's cost cutting to a maximum, while also trying to push their supposed 5-star standards.
They offer dine on demand with tons of options, but they want to save on costs by supplying the minimum number of meals and food items. For example, not a single dessert option was available within 1 hour of takeoff.
The FAs have to do so much work, while working on a relatively low staffing ratio to save on labor costs, the additional steps like plating, arranging tablecloths/trays, etc. Definitely feels premium, but adds overhead, QR needs to add one or two additional FAs for these longhaul flights to reduce fatigue and improve speed.
The same goes for lounges, yet they are amazing and gorgeous, but due to the huge DOH banks of connecting flights, the amenities get absolutely flooded with passengers. Even the business only Al Mourjan turns aways business class passengers for capacity reasons and has them go to the Garden. In Al Safwa, every single quiet room/bedroom was occupied, dining room was at 95% capacity (leaving all the servers scrambling and not able to offer good service), bathrooms are constantly occupied and there's even a wait.
The only solution is to invest and do more. Supply 50% more meals/options on the flights. Staff more FAs in the front. Build more lounge capacity/amenities.
@JetBlueFanBoy “one of the only Jewish states” - which “other” jewish state is there?
Good development. Since Al Baker left service has declined. My wife and I had a flight from Doha to Berlin in C last year, and after my wife (carelessly in hindsight, but who would suspect what was coming) didn‘t set up meal orders right away, her FA ignored her completely during the flight and my wife did not receive a single piece of food. My wife was so upset by that, that it was hard to convince her to fly them again.
On our next flight (with Avios) i have reserved seats in the same aisle to make sure that my wife does not end up without food again. I also plan to have a conversation with the purser to explain the last incident and to express my hope that they will take good care of my wife.
Under Al Baker stuff like that would never have happened.
He is truly one of the best CEOs I have ever seen, with exceptional leadership and vision.
How do you decide who is fake and who is real? At the end of the day it's just two internet trolls using the same username. To them you are the fake one.
Everyone knew he was only a temporary till they either find one or get someone ready for the position, he was not up to the level of a CEO and for sure not up to his predecessor Al baker, he was living in the shadow of Akbar then suddenly he was appointed as no other replacement at the time was ready!
Qatarairways 2.0 strategy was an illusion to get out of Akbar shadow and the new first class seat that was never revealed shows his determination to put a fingerprint but it backfired at him, the product the crew even the pilots became chilled and relaxed and many internal issues took place for such relaxed attitude, but never made it to public. his lack of experience knowledge made C-level executives (those who stayed - most X. top C level left with Albaker - either to Riyad Air, Saudi airlines, …etc. knowing he was clueless and would only listen to gossips) so those who left ran the show aside from the French CCO - commercial, customer experience, aero political, Cargo, Duty free ,….etc.
The group did not really made solid profits and the product the service the strategy ( which did not exist) was all against him. He was terminated with immediate effect ! In the release they did not even quote him ! Someone mentioned he finished F1 event last Friday / Saturday & on Sunday he was off to office to get to know he was terminated with immediate effect ! The board of directors did not see him to inform the decision.
That's a 'top shelf' reference, good sir. Respect.
Definitely sensing some 'humiliation' and 'betrayal' afoot here.
Verdi would be proud.
Oh, yeah, sorry, I forgot there's an arbitrary '3 comments per post' limit... wait, no there isn't.
Would you rather folks create multiple aliases? Naw. I prefer to use one. You do you.
Brian L., did you forget that she was/is a registered agent for the government of Qatar?
We're talking about Qatar's state-owned airline. She's the US AG. It's apt.
Oh, and by the way, you can talk about anything you want on here. Ben doesn't micromanage.
It’s already tedious enough to sort through the nonsense for comments that are related to the article (or even travel at this point.) I think registration should be mandatory to comment.
Unfortunate. A tremendous visionary and titan of industry. Sorry to see him go.
He might have been good for employees but he was bad at maintaining standards for customers. Next CEO should bring back standards.
Ugh. And the buses. Yeesh. New one can’t get ready soon enough. At least new seaplane terminal has been running for over a year now.
I had 3 legs on Business a year ago. First one ran out of fruits, second one ran out of ice-cream, last one had congee immediately unavailable even when it is listed as one of 2 options (and FA had to ask the pax to choose and pretend there is none). The only leg with original QSuites in the booking got swapped to B77W. It's not a big deal, but Qatar before that episode has always delivered.
We have since switched oneworld travels to Europe to CX or JL if we can, and would pop back again if we hear of improvements from internet chatter or word of mouth (as any rational passenger would).
On a six hour flight your wife never got up to ask where her food was? Nor did you?
Apparently he treats employees better but that's not what you keep a CEO for. Maybe in Sweden, but not over there.
Flew my first flights with them earlier this year and was not impressed.
I think QR had employee retention and cost issues. They probably solved the retention issue but we're not really smart on how to lower cost.
They have a good hard product. But with this kind of long haul hub Airlines it's as much about the cost as it is about experience. As a premium traveller you tolerate to travel 4 hours longer (sometimes more) to stop over there. You expect something more. Otherwise a direct flight gets you there more pleasantly. Don't get me wrong they are still competitive in many markets, but rather through lack of competition rather than their sheer strength.
I really don't understand your lauding of Al-Meer Ben. Whilst Al-Baker was perhaps not the most pleasant person and didn't endear himself to employees - since his successor took over QR's service standards have really declined in all aspects as it seems to have no discipline whatsoever. It's really noticeable if you flew with them before and after.
Just flew QR (Q suites both legs)
I can't say I saw a huge difference in pure crew quality
one of the food items (the quick snack option) was probably worse than a BA club europe offering, a first time food had been under par.
AL Mourjan orchard lounge showers have been out of action for months (since May I think..) seems to be taking a long time to fix those. Otherwise just as good as it was since opening.
Also the Q suite trim fixes / lack thereof starting to show. Most noticably the seal of one of the doors no longer in place.. and the door simply didn't stay shut. Based on the Q suite layout, privacy is bad without the door closed.
I was worked with Eng.Meer in united Development Company. He is very gentle and supportive person. He started from engineer position to CEO position in the same company, that time he joined Qatar Airways group and left UDC. As a boss he is No.1 ❤️
Badr was not engaged at all with what is going on in each department of QR, at least Akbar kept a close eye on what was going on. Hopefully the dodgy C suites and their followers who have gotten away with being crooks will now be kicked out by the new GCEO
Badr was signed off QR from day 1 - and did not have the experience nor did he worked on himself to familiarize himself with the business ! A golden opportunity came his way by pure luck! Instead he pulled an act to show he is up to it!
The guy was clueless to the point if they told him things going great and it’s actually going south he took it for granted. everyone was treating him as a leader (what a joke) C levels and SVP’s (bunch of ass kissers) Engineers thinks differently !! What a joke ! The guy had no idea what was going on - what ever they told him those around him he believed in it. The quality the staff the crew the service all went down (rocket fall) even the caliber of good people left as they knew it was a joke after Al baker.
Effective immediately says it all ….
Let’s just be clear this Qatar Airways 2.0 was BS - most staff in corporate did not see any improvements in treatment. There are still very aggressive leaders in place who do not treat their staff fairly and are corrupt. Many people have been put in top jobs because of their corrupt friendships. Badr didn’t ever get involved or keep a close eye on what his leaders were up too or he didn’t care enough to stop their awful behaviour.
Totally agree with the comments by Thetruth. A clear example can be seen at Qatar Duty Free — where certain individuals in Senior roles have long enjoyed protection despite serious concerns over their conduct.
With Badr’s departure, there’s hope that the new GCEO will bring a fresh perspective and take fair, transparent decisions that truly uplift the team’s morale - It’s about time positive change takes root.
I guess you are referring the Yamani/Brit guy who hassled his way around to a C level- acting like a Qatari national. lol what a hustler you should see the raffle draw of Duty free - 1M usd staged so it’s not given to anyone- recall they gave it to Abdulla hanout - works on customer care - this yamani read the name did not show it on camera or anyone and it passed through - wt a joke. I hope all badr gang leave with him .
I guess you are referring the Yamani/Brit guy who hassled his way around to a C level- acting like a Qatari national. lol what a hustler you should see the raffle draw of Duty free - 1M usd staged so it’s not given to anyone- recall they gave it to Abdulla hanout - works on customer care - this yamani read the name did not show it on camera or anyone and it passed through - wt a joke. I hope all badr gang leave with him .
I mean, the new CEO was in charge of the airport, and thus the Duty Free. Why you think this means a positive change is coming seems beyond me.
QR had definitely fallen in terms of product quality (hard and soft) and definitely become far less competitive price wise. I used to use QR invariably for my frequent flights between London and Manila, but SQ is almost always cheaper & better, even CX sometimes too. It's been a shame because my best airline status remains QR. I would love to see them turn this around.
Says the guy who is from a country run by the biggest crime family this world has seen, the US Government and also supports the 2nd biggest crime familiy the Israeli Govt. Why not fly El Al ?? lol
Enjoy being asked awesome questions like "How many Jewish festivals you know" , "Do you torah" bla bla when fly El Al.
And your comment makes zero sense. Dont people hate that companies screw their customers because they care for making profits? Boeing ran behind profits and hence its planes are considered "unsafe" now.
Why are you obsessed with profits which by the way QR and EK both make in the billions more than any American carrier than actual decent service?
Je pense que le départ de Mister Al Baker was very dommageable
I follow régulary your company from 2005
I see all progress of her in number plane ,number destination,changing airport...all who made your company number 1 of the World
The gouverment by mister Al meer was difficult i think but anyway the company falling down...overall about staff who loose after COVID time and new boss about professional and forget little about customer quality
I very hope new director from december will drive company up...same before
Is m'y wish..because i am in love with Qatar airway
Best regards
Justindev… update for you… they opened new international terminal to more airlines within the past month. Arrived for the first time on an actual jet-bridge at MLE. Wow. It’s incredible. The new Koveli lounge for departures (near A4) actually has showers! Very impressed.