Some observers dubbed it as the “Al Baker Show”.  Akbar Al Baker the colourful yet shrewd chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, to the surprise of many in a joint press conference yesterday with Boeing declared:

“We thought we would conclude an agreement. Airbus is still learning how to make airplanes”

Al Baker declined to give a specific reason for the announcement cancellation, although stressing price wasn’t the sticking issue.

While Boeing confirmed Qatar Airways order of two 777 freighter aircraft. Al Baker described it as “best freighter aircraft inthe world today” stating Qatar Airways will no longer convert its A330 passenger aircraft into freighter versions and may opt for the older Boeing 767 aircraft instead.

It was only 12 hours earlier, that Al Baker stated the plan to make an announcement during the Dubai Air Show for a “very large” order. Sourcesciting the value of $ 6.5 billion to acquire 50 aircraft A-320neo and five aircraft A380. While Al Baker even expressed the possibility of “doubling, tripling or even quadrupling the order” in a statement to Dubai based Al Arabiya Satellite TV Station earlier.

Same Day U-Turn

Few hours later on the same day he blasted Airbus. In another press conference, the much anticipated  announcement was made for the firm order, of 50 A2320neo,  John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer,left the announcement for Al Baker to make for the fear of another last minute change of heart.

No Stranger to Bash Statements

During  the IATA’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore held (from 5 to 7 June 2011). Al Baker criticized airline industry body for lack of transparency in voting and frugal spending of millions of dollars

He told the audience that the airline industry body appears to be “run for the few, by the few” and lacking full transparency.

At the Paris Air Show in 2009, Al Baker threatened to cancel an order for 60 Dreamliner aircraft if Boeing doesn’t get its act together.

“Boeing is run by bean counters and lawyers. We have some serious issues with them, and if they do not play ball with us they will be in for a serious surprise.”

Tactics that Works:

Since he took the leadership of then three-year-old airline and re-launched it in 1997. Qatar Airways rapidly overtook the region’s once star Gulf Air and is now firmly positioned as one of two stars in the region (Qatar Airways and Emirates). Al Baker dismiss the notation there are three stars (to include Etihad) as many in the industry want to believe.

Qatar Airways flies one of the youngest fleet of aircraft. Has a route expansion averaging 30% yearly growth. With ongoing orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over US$30 billion.

The airline will operate a fleet of 110 aircraft by 2013 – almost double the existing size. During 2007, Qatar Airways ordered 80 Airbus A350s, together with 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s. It has ordered five of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ for delivery from 2012.

Current Fleet Size - 101 aircraft
Profile:

Born in Doha 1960, worked at various levels in the Civil Aviation Directorate before becoming Qatar Airways chief executrices officer in 1997. He lead the development of the New Doha International Airport. Al Baker is also CEO of several divisions of Qatar's national airline including Qatar Executive, Qatar Airways Holidays, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Duty Free Company, Doha International Airport, Internal Media Services, Qatar Distribution Company, and Qatar Aircraft Catering Company. Is a university graduate in economics and commerce and holds a private pilot license.

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