The country got one more reason to cheer yesterday after Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was elected as chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

He will head the prestigious global aviation industry body starting June, 2018, reported Gulf Times.

He will commence his duties soon after the end of IATA’s 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney and will continue until the end of its 2019 AGM.

Al Baker will succeed current IATA BoG Chairman Goh Choon Phong, the chief executive officer of Singapore Airlines, reported The Peninsula.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen by my fellow board members to head this important body, at a time when the industry faces numerous challenges on a multitude of levels,” the QA chief was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

“To represent and lead the IATA Board of Governors is a tremendous privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent an industry that plays such a vital role in the global economy.

“For more than two decades, I’ve lived and breathed aviation, and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Governors to champion passenger rights and improve security standards across the industry, as well as continuing to promote the rights of freedom of flight for all,” he added.

IATA represents some 275 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic. Al baker’s election to the prestigious post is a clear recognition of the leading role that he plays in a dynamic and highly competitive industry, said a statement from Qatar Airways.

This is further good news for Qatar Airways, which earlier this year won the prestigious Skytrax Airline of the Year 2017 award for the fourth time.

Now in its 20th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.