The 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organisation (AACO) opened in Doha on November 2, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Hosted by Qatar Airways from November 2 to 4, 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, the meeting brings together more than 200 senior aviation executives and industry stakeholders, including chief executives of AACO member airlines, partner carriers and representatives of leading aviation organisations.
The opening session
featured addresses by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer and AGM
Chairman Hamad Al-Khater, and AACO Secretary General Abdul Wahab Teffaha,
highlighting the industry's evolving challenges and the importance of regional
cooperation.
Al-Khater said: “This
AACO gathering brings together the airlines of the Arab world, which
collectively play a vital role in connecting people, businesses and economies
across six continents. As our industry faces a very difficult period, with
geopolitical developments continuing to disrupt global connectivity, regional
cooperation has become our greatest strength.
“Our priority,
together with our fellow AACO members, is to build on the partnerships this
year has deepened, strengthening the resilience of our region and advancing a
shared vision for the future of Arab aviation. Qatar Airways is honoured to
welcome this Assembly to Doha and to play its full part in that work.”
Teffaha said: “We are
pleased to gather in Doha for AACO’s 59th Annual General Meeting, and we extend
our sincere appreciation to the State of Qatar for its patronage and to Qatar
Airways for its generous hospitality. The aviation industry continues to face
complex challenges, from geopolitical uncertainties and operational pressures
to the growing need for environmental sustainability. Yet, Arab airlines have
consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain their
vital role in global air connectivity
"This Annual
General Meeting provides an important platform to exchange views, strengthen
cooperation, and identify practical solutions to our shared challenges. By
working together, we can reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of Arab
aviation and ensure its continued contribution to economic development and
global connectivity.”
The AGM's working
sessions on Tuesday, 3 November, will begin with the AACO Secretary General's
'State of the Industry' report, outlining recent developments, challenges and
opportunities across the aviation sector. The programme will also feature an
address by Arab Civil Aviation Organisation (ACAO) Director General Khalid
Cherkaoui and a presentation by Bloomberg on the global economic outlook and
its implications for aviation.
The agenda further
includes the Arab Aviation Summit, featuring a high-level panel discussion with
airline chief executives and aviation leaders examining key industry issues. A
closed-door session will follow, allowing AACO members to discuss organisational
matters and strategic challenges affecting regional airlines.
As host, Qatar Airways
said the meeting reflects its continued support for regional aviation
cooperation and the exchange of industry expertise. The airline connects Doha
to more than 170 destinations worldwide through its hub, Hamad International
Airport, supporting international connectivity, trade and economic activity.
The gathering provides a platform for Arab aviation leaders to address geopolitical uncertainty, operational pressures, sustainability requirements and the future competitiveness of the region's airline industry. -TradeArabia News Service