DOHA: Qatar Airways Group CEO Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer has been elected to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) Board of Governors. In this role, he will support the association in shaping the growth of safe, secure and sustainable air transport.
Al-Meer will work with members of the trade association, representing some 320 airlines or 83% of total air traffic, to connect and enrich the world through air travel.
He was also appointed Member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) on the strength of his strong aviation sector experience. AACO is the regional association of the Arab Airlines, representing 34 carriers. Al-Meer will work to cooperate with regional and international organisations, governmental and non-governmental bodies, airlines, manufacturers and service providers, which is part of AACO’s mission.
Al-Meer became group CEO of Qatar Airways on November 5, 2023 following more than 10 years as the Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA). While leading HIA, Qatar’s global hub airport and gateway to the world, he played an instrumental role in leading major airport milestone projects, including the expansion project “The Orchard” – a tropical garden located at the centre of the terminal expansion, with world-class dining outlets and luxurious shopping that has redefined the airport experience.
From 2018 to 2020, Al-Meer was a Board Director of the Airports Council International in the Asia/Pacific Region, where his expertise contributed to Future Airport Development and Airport Sustainability.
His leadership was pivotal in HIA receiving a number of industry accolades including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airport in the World’ in 2021 and 2022, a testament to the capability and dedication of the entire organisation.
In his career, Al-Meer has played key roles in some of Qatar’s most iconic developments. As the Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA) since 2014, he led critical divisions such as Matar – the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, Qatar Duty-Free, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aviation Catering Company, Qatar Distribution Centre, Dhiafatina, and real estate.
Al-Meer has built an outstanding track record in construction, and large-scale project development. In his new role as Group CEO, Al-Meer’s experience in delivering successful outcomes in aviation and project management positions him uniquely to lead Qatar Airways Group’s exciting new era that will see innovation cultivate a unified and motivated workforce, a statement said.
