In pictures: As Qatar Airways CEO departs, Akbar Al Baker leaves 25-year legacy of making it a global airline

One of the most strident voices in the global airline industry for the better part of two decades and over, Akbar Al Baker has called it quits as CEO of Qatar Airways. An airline that transformed from a regional carrier into a globally prominent one during his tenure. And which serves more than 130 destinations.

Al Baker was appointed CEO in 1997, three years after the airline's launch, and ensured Qatar Airways joined the ranks of Emirates and Etihad Airways in rewriting the dynamics of the industry. He will step down formally on November 5.

What made Akbar Al Baker different – by quite a stretch – was in how he put across his views. Being emphatic was a way of being for him.

He will be succeeded by Badr Mohammed Al Meer, currently Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport. According to a Reuters report, the move came after it was announced that Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had replaced Al Baker as the country's top tourism official. (He was appointed Secretary-General of Qatar's National Tourism Council in 2019.)

Al Baker hit global headlines with his remarks about aeroplane manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, openly criticising their workmanship, decision-making processes, and strategies.

Qatar Airways navigated a legal dispute with Airbus regarding damage to the painted surface and anti-lightning system on the A350 aircraft. In January last, the two companies reached an agreement, avoiding a trial in a UK court. Al Baker later called it a 'win-win' situation for both.

He also generated controversy in 2018 when he said in Sydney that only a man could manage his role 'because it is a very challenging position'. He later issued an apology.

Al Baker, a graduate in economics and commerce, worked at various levels of the Gulf state’s Civil Aviation Directorate before taking charge of Qatar Airways.

A successful businessman, he holds a private pilot license and is also CEO of several divisions of Qatar's national airline – including Qatar Executive, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Qatar Distribution Company, Qatar Duty-Free and Internal Media Services, to name a few.

Widely known for his passion for innovation, Al Baker introduced the award-winning ‘Qsuite’ in March 2017. In 2015, France presented Al Baker with the Legion of Honour in recognition of his leadership in the aviation industry.

So, from November 5, it’s a new person at the helm of Qatar Airways. But one can always expect Akbar Al Baker to express his views – forcefully – about the industry and more.