Qatar Airways CEO has apologised for his ‘careless’ remarks about US airlines.
In a speech at a dinner in Dublin last week, Akbar Al Baker said US airlines were ‘crap’ and their passengers were ‘always being served by grandmothers’.
In a video of the speech, posted online, he also boasted that ‘the average age of my cabin crew is only 26’.
His comments were labelled ‘insulting’ and ‘sexist and ageist’ by American Airlines and angered US pilot groups and unions.
But in a letter to the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), a US trade union, Al Baker insisted the remarks did not reflect his ‘true sentiments about cabin crew’.
"Competition among air carriers is robust. This is healthy, especially for our passengers, but our competition must remain respectful," the letter said.
"For the cabin crew serving aboard all air carriers, professionalism, skill and dedication are the qualities that matter. I was wrong to imply that other factors, like age, are relevant."
The controversy comes as American Airlines cancelled a codeshare agreement with both Qatar Airways and Etihad, accusing them of receiving unfair state subsidies.
Mr Al Baker said he was disappointed with the decision but said he would continue with plans to buy a 10% stake in American Airlines.
Qatar Airways already holds a 20% stake in IAG, the parent of British Airways, and 10% of South America’s LATAM Airlines.
