Qatar Airways strengthens leadership for next phase of growth | News
Qatar Airways Group has restored its network to 85 percent of pre-crisis levels and created two new leadership positions to sharpen its operations and deepen its focus on customers.
The milestone was reached with the launch of the airline’s summer 2026 schedule this week, with more than 140 daily departures from Doha to more than 160 destinations worldwide. It delivers on a target the Group set for itself earlier this year, at the height of the regional disruption that grounded much of its network, to return to 85 percent by mid-June.
The two new appointments support three priorities that will shape the Group’s next phase of growth. The focus is on delivering a world-class passenger experience at every touchpoint, expanding the passenger and freight network with a modern fleet and the next generation Qsuite, and investing in its people, in their development, succession and the skills that the coming years will require.
Both positions report directly to Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater.
The Chief Operating Officer will bring the Group’s operational functions under one leader, with an emphasis on accountability, performance and the highest safety standards. The role will be taken over by Abdulla Ali, a Qatari national, promoted from his current position as Senior Vice President of Ground Services. Mr Ali brings extensive experience in aviation, airport and network operations, with a proven track record of delivery and leading high-performing teams.
The Chief Customer Officer brings brand and customer touchpoints under one coordinated focus, ensuring consistency, excellence and warmth throughout the customer journey. The role will be taken over by Calum Laming, a dual Irish and British citizen, who served as Chief Customer Officer at British Airways from 2022 until earlier this year and has held senior customer-facing positions at major international airlines including Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand.
Hamad Al-Khater, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “These appointments are about what comes next. With Abdulla and Calum joining our leadership team, we will move faster, sharpen our focus on excellence and put the customer at the heart of every decision we make. They are also about our people, enhancing our ability to develop talent and supporting the growth of our incredible teams.”
Mr Ali and Mr Laming will take up their new roles on November 1, 2026.
