Gender Inequality? Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker Makes Sexist Remark, Says Only Men Can Do His Job

Yet another case of sexism has emerged. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker makes a sexist remark by saying 'only a man could rise to the challenges of his job'. Soon after becoming the chairman of the International Air Transport Association’s board of governors, Al Baker did little to suggest that things will change. At a press conference in Sydney, where IATA held its annual meeting, he was asked what could be done about the woeful representation of women in Middle East aviation. Mr. Baker said there’s no gender inequality in Qatar Airways.

“Of course, it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position.” There were loud groans of disapproval from many reporters in the room. Following the press conference, Al Baker seemed to soften his position in an interview by saying, “I was only referring to one individual,” he said. “I was not referring to the staff in general.”

He told Bloomberg that Qatar Airways’ staff is more than 33% female, with female pilots and female senior vice presidents and that there’s ‘no gender inequality in Qatar Airways.’ He also said, “It will be my pleasure to have a female CEO candidate I could then develop to become CEO after me.”

Regardless of Al Baker’s comments, the members of IATA appear to paint a picture of inequality. In an IATA board photo, only one woman appeared among the 26 people pictured. That woman is Christine Ourmieres-Widener, CEO of UK regional carrier Flybe Group Plc. The Gulf carrier has a close business partnership with British Airways and is also the largest single shareholder in BA’s parent company, IAG.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 05, 2018 11:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).