Women have led countries and run companies. But managing an airline? Let’s leave that to the men.

Akbar Al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways, said as much during a news conference on Tuesday, immediately joining the ranks of corporate bosses who have dismissed efforts to improve gender diversity and close the gap in pay and employment between men and women.

Asked about the lack of women in the airline industry generally, and at Qatar Airways in particular, Mr. Al Baker denied that poor gender representation in the sector was an issue. Of his own position, he added, “Of course it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position.”

He was speaking at the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Sydney, Australia. Mr. Al Baker had just become chairman of the trade body’s board of governors. The groans in the room were audible.



Qatar Airways — one of the world’s biggest carriers — soon went to work trying to play down Mr. Al Baker’s remarks.