Al Baker highlights role of aviation in boosting ties

Qatar Airways participated in the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum taking place in both London and Birmingham under the patronage of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker spoke at a panel discussion on the first day of the forum, commenting on the leading role that aviation plays in the expanding business landscape relationship between the two countries.
Al Baker spoke alongside other leading speakers such as H E Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, and Dr Hassan Al Derham, President of Qatar University.
Qatar Airways works with many British companies such as Rolls Royce contributing to both investment and employment opportunities. During this high profile appearance to the delegation, Al Baker hinted towards a further commitment to the UK economy with a potential expansion to two new UK destinations.
Al Baker, said: “I’m honoured that Qatar Airways has been able to participate at this important event under the guidance of our Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. We are proud of the part we play in encouraging trade between the UK and Qatar with more than 70 flights each week between the State of Qatar and destinations in the UK such as London Heathrow, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. In addition, London is home to the headquarters of International Airlines Group (IAG), of which we are a proud shareholder and the UK will also be the very first market to which we will fly our recently launched Qsuite this summer, bringing First to Business Class, a direct reflection of the importance we place upon the Qatar – UK relationship.”
The forum included an invitation for Al Baker to attend a VIP round table discussion with UK Prime Minister Theresa May on the importance of the UK-Qatar relationship, alongside key representatives from Qatar itself including Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Al Baker also held a private meeting with Secretary of State for International Trade for the United Kingdom, Dr Liam Fox. That same evening, Qatar Airways hosted a gala dinner at London’s Dorchester Hotel for more than 450 VIP guests. At the dinner, held in celebration of Qatar Airways ties with the UK, Al Baker also had the opportunity to greet with Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex, who shared mutual interest in the UK based Orbis Flying Eye Hospital.