Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker says only a man could rise to the challenges of his job.

Moments after becoming chairman of the International Air Transport Association’s board of governors, one of the world’s biggest boys’ clubs, Mr Al Baker did little to suggest things will change.

At a press conference in Sydney, where IATA held its annual meeting, he was asked what could be done about the woeful representation of women in Middle East aviation. That’s not the case at Qatar Airways, Mr Al Baker told the reporter.

“Of course it has to be led by a man, because it is a very challenging position.” There were loud groans of disapproval from many reporters in the room.

The comments contrast with efforts by some rivals to push up female representation at the upper echelons. Qantas Airways’s senior management is 40pc female, including the heads of the international and frequent-flier loyalty businesses, CEO Alan Joyce said.

SkyTeam appointed Delta executive Kristin Colvile as chief executive of the airline alliance earlier this month.