Qatar's Akbar Al Baker talks Covid, bailouts and A380s

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The great Sam Chui has interviewed Akbar Al Baker. It’s not strictly cargo, but the chief of Qatar Airways can be outspoken on aviation issues, and he chats about growth in Covid-times – and beyond. He also talks openly about the “pain” of operating A380s. Qatar has already taken impairment on five of its 10-strong A380 fleet, and may write off the next five too, depending on post-pandemic traffic. Interestingly, he also points to its fuel burn per seat mile, giving it a “high pollution rating” as well as being an “inefficient aircraft”. He added that Qatar is going to become carbon neutral – but he failed to mention that Qatar Airways is one of just a few major carriers that has yet to invest in sustainable aviation fuel. Samchui.com reports.