Qatar- Blockading countries failed to meet their targets: Al Baker

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) After three years of illegal blockade on Qatar, the blockading countries have not met any of their targets that they sought to achieve. 'We have not capitulated, we have not given in to any demands,"  H E Akbar Al Baker, the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways has said.​
Speaking to The Peninsula on the occasion of completing three years of illegal blockade on Qatar, H E Al Baker said: 'In fact, it worked as a catalyst for us that made us more independent. It has made us more proud and has showed the world that no matter how  small a country you are, when it comes to sovereignty, when it comes dignity, when it comes to self-respect, that even a small nation can stand up to big nations and be very proud. ​
The blockade has also made Qatar more efficient and provided the country with an amount of flexibility and expertise in dealing with current COVID-19 situation better than anybody else. 'We have built a strong level of trust with passengers, governments,  trade partners, and airports as a reliable player during this crisis as we continue to fly people home. ​
 On the role of  Qatar Airways, especially its subsidiary Qatar Cargo, in overcoming the impact of the blockade, H E Al Baker said  Qatar Airways is very proud to say that Qatar Airways Cargo undertook a massive airlift of food and other essential items when  the illegal blockade started in June 2017. 'Thanks to our excellent team, world-class facilities and modern fleet, Qatar Airways helped to ensure residents did not go without essential supplies. Qatar Airways Cargo is now the world's largest cargo carrier,  flying a young and modern fleet of 28 freighters to more than 60 cargo destinations.​
 Elaborating the challenges faced by him to manage the operation of a large fleet of aircraft with limited airspace after the neighbouring countries shut their airspace for the Qatar Airways, the Group Chief Executive said: 'I am pleased to say that thanks to our  robust business planning, swift actions in the face of the crisis, our passenger-focused solutions and dedicated staff, the impact has been minimised - and has certainly not been as negative as the blockading countries may have hoped for.​
Asked how, as the chief of the Qatar National Tourism Authority, is he trying to use the Qatar Airways' extensive operations to boost the number of inbound tourist arrivals Al Baker commented: 'As you may know, there are travel restrictions on Qatar right  now due to the pandemic. These wise measures were taken early on by the Qatari government to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country....However as travel restrictions ease, we will of course be delighted to welcome visitors back to Qatar.​
 In the meantime, QNTC is continuing to work hard to show the world all the wonderful things our country has to offer, for when restrictions are relaxed.​
Asked how did he see the future growth outlook of Qatar Airways as the global aviation industry has been facing such an unprecedented situation due to the COVID-19, Al Baker replied it is  far too early to anticipate what changes will become more permanent  as these will be driven by the availability of vaccinations, consumer behaviour, airport and health protocols.​
 'Air travel has always rebounded after every upheaval. I think we will again start growing, but how quickly we will start grow is a question I don't think any chief executive can for sure answer, H E Al Baker said.​
 

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