DOHA: Speaking in Dublin last week, Mr. Al Baker derided his American competitors, saying there is no need to fly on “crap” carriers where “you know you will always be served by grandmothers”. By way of comparison, he said, “The average age of my cabin crew is only 26 years”.
Realizing his mistake, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker today issued the following statement:
“I should like to apologize unreservedly to those offended by my recent remarks which compared Qatar Airways cabin crew with cabin crew on US carriers. The remarks were made informally at a private gala dinner, following comments about the Qatar Airways cabin service, and were in no way intended to cause offence. This is a time of strong rivalry between our airline and the US carriers, and we are of course immensely proud of our own cabin crew.
However, cabin crew is the public face of all airlines, and I greatly respect their hard work and professionalism. They play a huge role in the safety and comfort of passengers, irrespective of their age or gender or familial status. I have worked for many years in the industry, and I have a high regard for the value that I see long-serving staff members bringing through their experience and dedication.”
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