Qatar Airways makes symbolic gesture landing an A350-900 in Hamburg

Upon taking what is effectively the number two job at Qatar Airways, he emphasized routes to Germany. “In opening Hamburg today, we are the only Gulf or Asian carrier serving five cities in Germany,” says Antinori.

Emirates has long desired access to Berlin but remains limited by historical traffic rights while Qatar enjoys a new Open Skies arrangement with the EU.

The deployment of the A350 also had symbolic significance due to past disputes between Qatar Airways and Airbus over alleged quality problems on their A350s. This led to voluntary grounding and court battles which have since been resolved. “For me, it’s a huge relief that the dispute with Airbus has been overcome and since March, all our A350s are flying again,” notes Antinori.

Antinori also commented on sustainability: “Sustainability also comes from a modern fleet... Sorry, Lufthansa’s current fleet is not really focused -yet- on sustainability.” He highlighted that Qatar Airways still operates four-engine aircraft like eight reactivated A380s for specific high-demand routes without plans for cabin upgrades.

Now serving 171 destinations globally, Antinori states: “Our network is approximately the size of what we need and want.” Further expansion depends on traffic rights with interests particularly in Toronto or Mauritius.

Regarding potential acquisitions, focus remains on Africa with imminent plans to buy a 49% stake in RwandAir and discussions ongoing with another southern African airline.

New CEO Badr Al Meer has shifted company culture towards digitalization and sustainability. “He does it differently... Part of that is a focus on digitalization and sustainability,” observes Antinori.

Despite increased responsibilities including overseeing cargo operations and Qatar Executive business jet affiliate, Antinori enjoys his role: “I have fun with the human being Badr Al Meer... I’m also fond of working with him.” At age 62, he has no plans to retire soon.