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Tribune News Network
DOHA
The blockading states intended to endanger the economy of Qatar by threatening the livelihood of residents, but Qatar and Qatar Airways has been able to protect the nation, the people, the economy and the airline's customers, said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al Baker.
Baker made the remarks while addressing the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) in Brussels on Tuesday.
The address provided Baker the opportunity to update the European Parliament and the TRAN committee, including its current Chair Madame Karima Delli MEP, about the ongoing blockade against Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.
He gave a first-hand account of the challenges Qatar and the airline have been facing since the start of the blockade, while highlighting how the country and Qatar Airways have strengthened their resolve in the face of adversity.
Baker gave behind the scenes details on the shock blockade imposed on Qatar.
He said he was at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM in Cancun when the event unfolded, leading to a 22-hour return journey to return home to guide his airline in response to the unprecedented siege.
He said,"The extreme violations were carried out without provocation and without a mandate from the UN Security Council or any other international body. With 18 air corridors immediately reduced to just two corridors, elaborate measures were necessary to assure safe operations into and out of Qatar.
"In the middle of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the normal flow of goods and basic supplies such as medicine, food and water was dangerously interrupted."
Baker condemned International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for what he called a"timid and disappointing" response, called on the world to condemn such"reckless political manoeuvres that violate fundamental norms of international aviation".
"As the country approaches the end of one year under the imposed blockade, Qatar Airways has become a strategic pillar to ensure food security in our country," he said.
Qatar Airways GCE said,"I am honoured to have had the opportunity to address the European Parliament today, an occasion that demonstrates Qatar Airways' growing relationship with the European Union. This is a friendship that will only continue to grow, alongside mutual cooperation, to restore a fair and open aviation regime, supported by good governance and a collaborative rule of law around the world.
"I would also like to personally thank the members of the European Union for their support amidst the extraordinary illegal blockade against my home country, with notable thanks to MEP Ismail Ertug, who made today's event in Brussels possible."
The TRAN Committee is the leading legislative committee of the European Parliament responsible for air transport, rail, road and inland waterways, as well as the development of trans-European networks in the areas of transport infrastructure.
Qatar Airways has a strong economic footprint in the European Union and provides direct employment to 1,100 residents, while contracts with manufacturer Airbus are valued at almost 27 billion Euros. The airline currently flies to 31 destinations across 21 member countries of the European Union, connecting passengers to its network of more than 150 global gateways.
