Badr Mohammed Al-Meer took the helm of Qatar Airways Group as group CEO in November 2023, assuming leadership of one of the world’s most awarded and financially successful airline groups.
His appointment reflects both Qatar’s long-term leadership planning and Al- Meer’s track record delivering complex, multi-billion-dollar aviation, infrastructure, and real estate projects over more than two decades.
Before his elevation to group CEO, Al-Meer served as chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA) from 2014, overseeing the successful expansion of the airport to a capacity of 65 million passengers annually. He also led critical divisions under Qatar Airways Group, including MATAR, Qatar Duty Free, Qatar Avia- tion Services, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Dhiafatina, and real estate operations. Under his leadership, HIA was repeatedly named the world’s best airport, including during the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Covid-19 period.
In his first full financial year as group CEO, Al-Meer has delivered Qatar Airways Group’s strongest results in its history. For the 2024/25 fiscal year, group profits surged 28 per cent to QAR 7.85bn ($2.15bn). The cargo division, recognised as the world’s leading air freight carrier, posted a 17 per cent rise in revenue, supported by digitalisation and data-driven optimisation. Qatar Airways continues to operate with a global workforce exceeding 55,000.
Al-Meer has introduced the airline’s renewed ‘Qatar Airways 2.0’ strategy, emphasising innovation, partnerships, and operational agility. Key milestones include securing a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia, acquiring 25 per cent of South Africa’s Airlink, and expanding its aircraft orders to sustain one of the world’s youngest fleets. Qatar Airways has also become the first global airline to equip its Boeing 777 fleet with Starlink super-fast WiFi, integrating live sports streaming in partnership with IMG’s Sport 24.
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways retained its Skytrax ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for a record ninth time, along with awards for ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘Best Business Class Airline Lounge’.
A civil engineer by training, Al-Meer holds engineering degrees from the American University of Beirut and the University of Colorado.
