JEDDAH: Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker says the fast-growing carrier will soon start its domestic Saudi operations under its Al-Maha Airways brand.
“We should be getting our air operator’s certificate (AOC) in Saudi Arabia very soon,” Al-Baker said in Doha.
He expressed this optimism while talking to journalists on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) in Doha.
“Applying for an AOC is a very complex process. And we are very advanced in this,” he said.
An AOC is the approval, given by a national aviation authority, in order to allow an airline to operate its aircraft for commercial flights.
Earlier reports said that Qatar Airways has appointed a CEO to run the Saudi business and will operate eight A320s in the Kingdom.
Al-Baker is also highly optimistic about the future of Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.
The number of passengers traveling through the airport is expected to double to 50 million in the next five years, he said.
He said the IATA conference provided a great opportunity to showcase Qatar and the new airport in a very strong way.
“Qatar Airways is a strong supporter of IATA and this year’s annual general meeting has been a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our Qatari hospitality, together with the new infrastructural developments in our country, such as our new state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport (HIA),” added Al-Baker.
The event, held for the first time in Gulf region, has been hailed as a great success.
“Qatar Airways will be able to offer an exceptional passenger experience, as HIA has been designed with passengers foremost in mind. The airport will also be able to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, such as our much-anticipated Qatar Airways Airbus A380,” said Al-Baker.
Passengers can take advantage of the many new services available at Hamad International Airport, from the free Wi-Fi to play areas for children, multiple quiet areas to relax, and the amazing array of shopping and eating options.
With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels, high street fashion, electronics, gourmet foods and much more, Qatar Duty Free at HIA also has more than 30 cafes and restaurants with a sumptuous selection of global and local cuisine.
The CEO also ruled out plans to privatize the airline in “the foreseeable future”.
Al-Baker is, however, concerned that air traffic congestion in the region might hurt the carrier’s expansion plan.
“Aerial highways are becoming very congested and we need more space, especially in the region. This is very big challenge for us,” he said.
Al-Baker said the Qatari regulator was talking to its counterpart in the region to make the air traffic management more efficient.
