Qatar Airways hits rough financial skies

Qatar Airways has been one of the aviation industry's major success stories over the past decade; building a formidable reputation.



Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker says the airline will continue flying during the coronavirus crisis, but is fast running out of cash.

It will need a state bailout soon, Travel Mole reported.

The airline flies from its base in Doha to Europe, Asia and Australia, and has 1,800 flights scheduled over the next two weeks.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker 

"We have received many requests from governments all over the world, embassies in certain countries, requesting Qatar Airways not to stop flying," Baker said.

"However, without state support, the airline can only continue for a 'very short period of time.'

"We will surely go to our government eventually for equity."

Employees of the OneWorld alliance flyer have taken voluntary unpaid leave and Baker has said he will take no salary until the airline resumes full operations.

Although regional rivals Emirates and Etihad Airways have grounded their planes, Qatar Airways hasn't benefited from rising airfares.

"We are not taking advantage," Baker said. "This is a time to serve people who want to be with their loved ones in a very trying time."

Founded in 1993, Qatar Airways has a fleet of over 200 aircraft and employs over 43,000 people. As of May 2014, the company is fully owned by the Qatari Government.

Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup soccer finals in 2022.