The boss of Qatar Airways has sparked a sexism row after claiming a woman would not be able to do his job.
Chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said the position was ‘challenging’ and needed to be led by a man. Addressing the International Air Transport Association’s male-dominated annual meeting, Al Baker was asked what could be done to address the lack of women in Middle East aviation.
He said that wasn’t the case at Qatar Airways but added: ‘Of course it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position.’ His comments were met by groans and it was unclear if the outspoken CEO was joking as they came after he quipped he had to be ‘less controversial’.
Asked whether he would welcome a woman as chief executive, Al Baker attempted to back track, saying: ‘It will be my pleasure to have a female CEO candidate I could then develop to become CEO after me’.
He later said Qatar Airways was the first carrier in the region to have female pilots and the company had women in senior roles. ‘So we actually encourage women. We see that they have huge potential in doing senior management positions,’ he said.
The comments come as business leaders are under pressure to address gender inequality in the workplace and boost the number of women in senior positions. Big companies have been forced to reveal their gender pay gaps – the difference between average salaries for male and female staff – as part efforts to tackle sexism by Prime Minister Theresa May.
The aviation industry has long faced criticism of sexism where well-paid pilots are usually men and low-paid cabin crews are traditionally female. Yesterday, the boss of Heathrow John Holland-Kaye, distanced himself from Al Baker’s comments.
He said: ‘Diversity and inclusion are part of our core values and I have no doubt that a woman could carry out my role.
His counterparts at rival carriers also seized on the comments.
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