Qatar Airways brings in former BA exec as network hits 85% of pre-crisis levels
Qatar Airways has appointed a former British Airways executive as the airline announces it has restored its flight network to 85% of pre-crisis levels.
On June 18, 2026, the Qatari flag carrier said its restrengthened network comes with the launch of the airline’s summer 2026 schedule this week.
Summer operations will see over 140 daily departures from Doha to more than 160 destinations worldwide.
“It delivers a target the Group set itself earlier this year, at the height of the regional disruption that grounded much of its network, to rebuild to 85 percent by mid-June,” Qatar Airways said.
As Qatar Airways rebounds from the disruption caused by the recent Middle East conflict, the group appointed two new executive roles to “sharpen its operations and deepen its focus on customers”.
Qatar AirwaysCalum Laming, who most recently served as Chief Customer Officer at British Airways from 2022 until earlier this year, will join Qatar Airways in the same role.
Laming has also held senior customer-focused positions at international airlines including Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand.
Abdulla Ali has been promoted from his current position as Senior Vice President of Ground Services to become Qatar Airways’ Chief Operating Officer.
Both roles report directly to Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater, who himself joined Qatar Airways in December 2025.
“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,” Al-Khater said. “They are also about our people, expanding our ability to develop talent and support the growth of our incredible teams.”
The two new appointments are assigned to support three priorities that will shape the airline’s next phase of growth.
“The focus is on delivering a world-class passenger experience at every touchpoint, expanding the passenger and cargo network with a modern fleet and the next generation of Qsuite, and investing in its people, in their development, succession, and the skills the years ahead will demand,” Qatar Airways said.
Both the new recruits will take up their roles on November 1, 2026.
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The post Qatar Airways brings in former BA exec as network hits 85% of pre-crisis levels appeared first on AeroTime.
Qatar Airways has appointed a former British Airways executive as the airline announces it has restored its flight…
The post Qatar Airways brings in former BA exec as network hits 85% of pre-crisis levels appeared first on AeroTime.
