If Qatar Airline Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker wasn’t already known as being quite outspoken, he is now, after having a crack at the American airlines with which he competes.
Mr al-Baker was speaking at a gala ball at the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin to celebrate the launch of Qatar’s new route between Ireland and Doha. During his speech, he let some of the air out of the tense tussle between the Middle Eastern carrier and its ‘big three’ US opponents, Delta, United and American, by calling them “crap”.
It also seems Mr al-Baker may be somewhat ageist, or just a bit cheeky, saying that passengers flying on US airlines are “always served by grandmothers”.
He went on to brag about the “excellent service from our international cabin crew” and making pointed remarks about the youth of his staff.
“By the way, the average age of my cabin crew is only 26 years,” he said.
“So there is no need for you to travel on these crap American carriers …
“You know you will always be served by grandmothers on American airlines.”
What do you think about Mr al-Baker’s comments? Do they offend you? Or do you think he’s just being a bit cheeky?
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