Qatar Airways CEO receives Airline Business accolade

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker has been honored with an Airline Business accolade for leadership at the annual Airline Strategy Awards held in London.
Al-Baker was recognized by the editorial team of the highly acclaimed UK-based aviation industry magazine for his leadership and strategy in developing the Doha-based airline from a small fledgling carrier to a global network business.
He has been instrumental in guiding Qatar Airways into a powerful airline in Middle East aviation and a leading international force since being appointed CEO in 1997 at the time of the carrier's re-launch.
Al-Baker has shaped Qatar Airways into an award-winning global airline — today rated the world's best — from its operational hub of Doha, capital of Qatar.
Max Kingsley-Jones, editor of Airline Business, presented the award to him at an illustrious gathering of over 300 guests, including leading international aerospace industry figures.
Al-Baker paid tribute to employees of Qatar Airways for helping make the airline the success it is today by helping lead the way in service and standards within a highly competitive global industry.
"Qatar Airways has come a long way in just 15 short years and it is an honor to accept this award and be recognized by the prestigious magazine Airline Business read by true aviation professionals the world over," said Al-Baker.
"I believe we have made huge strides in a highly competitive aviation world to become one of the best airlines and it is therefore a privilege to be honored in front of such distinguished guests this evening.
Kingsley-Jones said: "Al-Baker is a shining example of an exemplary leader with a focus on the job in hand. He has transformed Qatar Airways from a small regional player into a global network carrier to rival the best in the world."