Qatar Airways’ long-time group chief executive Akbar Al Baker is to step down from his role next month.

Al Baker will retire from the position he has held for nearly 30 years on 5 November when he will be replaced by Mohammed Al-Meer as Qatar Airways’ new chief executive. Al-Meer currently runs Doha’s Hamad International airport. 

Qatar Airways has grown into one of the world’s leading airlines under Al Baker’s leadership – he took over in 1997 when the airline had only been operating for three years. 

In a statement, Qatar Airways Group paid tribute to Al Baker’s “27 years of remarkable service” at the airline.

“Under Akbar Al Baker’s leadership, Qatar Airways has grown to become one of the most recognisable and trusted brands globally, synonymous with customer service quality and the highest of standards,” added the company in a statement.