Qatar Airways CEO: Coronavirus has changed the airline industry | Talk to Al Jazeera
Description
The global coronavirus pandemic has changed the world as we know it.
It has been particularly devastating for the aviation sector. Airports have been shut, thousands of aeroplanes grounded, businesses have ceased operations, and the long-term financial cost may not be known for years to come.
According to the International Air Transport Association, this year's loss of revenue has cost airlines more than $300bn. Thousands in the air travel industry have been left jobless.
Qatar Airways, one of the world's biggest carriers, is no exception. The Doha-based airline was already dealing with restrictions imposed by four Gulf Arab nations as part of their blockade of Qatar.
Without access to the airspace of its neighbours, it had to find new routes and new destinations.
And now, as it navigates the turbulent skies in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, how will the airline recover from both the health and political crises? And what is in store for the future of global air travel after the pandemic ends?
The chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, Akbar al-Baker, talks to Al Jazeera.
- Subscribe to our channel: http://aje.io/AJSubscribe
- Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish
- Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
- Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/
Al Jazeera journalist Eki Rrahmani, a former refugee from Kosovo, reflects on his years as an asylum seeker.
He looks back at his escape from his country 30 years ago and compares his experience with the plight of the thousands of refugees and migrants seeking sanctuary in Europe today.
He...
Published 10/24/20
The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments worldwide to impose lockdowns earlier this year.
As millions stayed at home for months, normal life ground to a virtual halt. That meant a major reduction in air and water pollution; some animals even reclaimed their stolen habitats.
But as world leaders...
Published 08/08/20
This is a story of a financial scandal, of fortunes won and lost and political collusion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that goes right to the heart of Emirati business and politics.
At the centre of it is a self-made Indian billionaire - Dr BR Shetty.
As founder of New Medical Centre Health...
Published 08/05/20