Airlines need to 'find new ways to work to reduce the cost base for airlines': Al Baker

Qatar Airways CEO and incoming IATA chairman Akbar Al Baker, speaking at a media briefing at the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit, stated (05-Jun-2018) he will act in the "best interest of not only the airlines of this great associations but also the people that have made this industry so successful". Key areas of focus and concern include human trafficking and security for airlines amid the current "turbulent times in the global political scene", with Mr Al Baker adding that "terrorism is affecting our industry". Rising fuel prices could also put "a lot of pressure on the industry" while privatised airports are putting "a lot of strain on the resources of airlines". Mr Al Baker noted the need to "find new ways to work to reduce the cost base for airlines". He also "Regional conflicts" are another threat to the industry", and these factors need to be mitigated "in order to continue the upward trend in the performance of the airlines".