Doha: Qatar Airways welcomes industry leaders, international and regional aviation organizations, airline manufacturers and air transport executives from around the world to Doha as it hosts the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO).
The 54th AGM of AACO will be held between November 10 and 12 at the “Sheraton Resort & Convention Hotel”, under the patronage of H E Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Qatar’s Minister of Transport, and by kind invitation of H E Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways and Chairman of the 54th AGM, with the participation of more than 200 Arab and global aviation experts gathering Chief Executive Officers of AACO member airlines, partner airlines and industry partners from aircraft and engine manufacturers, global distribution systems, information technology partners, and others.
The Director-General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, the Director General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission, and the Director General of IATA are also attending the AGM.
H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “As the aviation industry continues to navigate some of the most uncertain market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more critical moment to come together as a unified voice on the path to recovery. That is why Qatar Airways is proud to host the 54th AACO AGM – a platform for our regional Arab bloc of air carriers to collectively ensure that our industry emerges from this unprecedented crisis stronger than ever.”
AACO Secretary General, Abdul Wahab Teffaha said: “After a year and a half of unexpected disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted all aspects of life, it is very fitting that we meet for AACO’s 54th Annual General Meeting in a state that views aviation as a major contributor to economic growth and job creation. My appreciation and gratitude go to H E Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti for bestowing his patronage on this General Assembly and H E Akbar Al Baker for hosting this Assembly with the genuine hospitality that we always enjoy in the State of Qatar and with our host Qatar Airways.”
The AGM’s general opening ceremony will take place tonight at Al Majlis Ballroom at the Sheraton Resort & Convention Hotel. The Patron of the AGM will be addressing the delegates tonight, followed by a speech by H E Akbar Al Baker, and an address by AACO Secretary General, Abdul Wahab Teffaha.
The AGM working sessions will be held tomorrow at Al Dafna Ballroom at the Sheraton Resort & Convention Hotel. The sessions will feature AACO Secretary General’s report on the “State of the Industry”, a speech by the Arab Civil Aviation Organization’s Director General, Eng. Abdennabi Manar, and a speech by IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh.
These will be followed by a discussion panel gathering Chief Executive Officers and Directors General on strategic issues related to the aviation industry. The panel will be moderated this year by Richard Quest, Anchor and Correspondent / CNN. Panelists participating in the session are Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman of the Board and CEO Royal Air Maroc; Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group; Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission; Eng. Abdennabi Manar, Director General, Arab Civil Aviation Organization; Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA. The Chairman of the AGM, Akbar Al Baker, was also invited to participate in the discussion.
After the discussion panel, a closed session will be dedicated for AACO members to discuss and decide on administrative, financial, and strategic issues related to AACO’s work.
