DOHA- Qatari Flag carrier, Qatar Airways (QR) will conclude its period of aggressive expansion following one more substantial aircraft order, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
The executive asserts that competitors’ service quality has declined due to their overly rapid growth.
Photo: Clément AlloingQatar Airways to Serve 80 Million Pax
Al-Meer revealed that Qatar Airways Group, which encompasses both the airline and Doha airport operations, currently negotiates with Airbus and Boeing for aircraft orders aimed at increasing annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million over the next five to six years.
“We will slow down,” Al-Meer told the Financial Times in an interview. “We will reach capacity at [Doha’s Hamad international airport], and that’s it.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer | Photo: Qatar AirwaysThe CEO questioned the sustainability of continued rapid growth without compromising service standards. “If we want to continue growing at the same speed, we can… But can I guarantee you that… I can provide the same level of service? No, nobody can do this,” he stated, adding that “many competitors inside the region and outside… the quality of the service has deteriorated and people are not getting what they’re paying for.”
His remarks highlight the intense regional competition where affluent sovereign owners utilize airlines as growth engines, connectivity hubs, and instruments of soft power projection.
Qatar Airways competes directly with Dubai’s Emirates (EK) and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad (EY), with the latter expected to become the first regional airline in two decades to launch an IPO this year.
Saudi Arabia has also announced significant expansion plans for its airlines and airports as part of broader economic diversification efforts beyond oil dependence.
Photo: Dubai AirshowCEO Dismisses Competitive Concerns
Dubai International Airport has achieved record traffic levels with more than 92 million travelers in 2024, securing its position as the world’s busiest international airport. The emirate has announced plans to develop Dubai World Central into a five-runway facility capable of accommodating 150 million passengers annually within the next decade.
Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer dismisses concerns about Dubai’s expanding capacity affecting Doha airport operations. “Would you rather have dinner at McDonald’s or go to a Michelin star restaurant?” he questioned, emphasizing quality over size.
Qatar aims to attract more tourists and international business through improved marketing strategies. Al-Meer noted that previous efforts were insufficient but expressed confidence that Qatar Airways’ “stop over” program will boost visitor numbers.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysThe airline plans to expand partnerships with other carriers, building on its existing minority stakes in airlines worldwide. Qatar Airways currently holds a 25 percent stake in Virgin Australia and International Airlines Group (owner of British Airways and Vueling), along with investments in Latam Airlines, South Africa’s Airlink, Cathay Pacific, and China Southern Airlines.
Al-Meer revealed that a long-delayed deal to acquire a stake in African carrier RwandAir could materialize within a month, while additional merger and acquisition opportunities undergo evaluation. The airline intends to expand its network by feeding passengers to partner carriers for continued journeys.
European airline executives have expressed difficulties competing with Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways, citing concerns about environmental taxes and Russian airspace restrictions that increase operational costs. Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith recently stated that European airlines do not compete “on a level playing field” with Gulf carriers.
Al-Meer rejected these complaints, stating: “They’re talking about not being able to compete with us. There are so many things they can provide their customers and they’re not willing to do it, whether it is the design of their cabins… the Wi-Fi speed… the catering… the quality of service you get on the ground. So many things which have nothing to do with sustainability or flying over Russia.”
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