Qatar Airways has appointed airline veteran Marwan Koleilat in the newly-created role of Chief Commercial Officer.

With 35 years experience in the aviation industry, Koleilat returns to the airline’s head office in Doha, after leading Qatar Airways’ operations in the Far East since 2004.

He reports to Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. In his new role, Koleilat will be responsible for all commercial operations of the company, which today operates a fleet of 97 aircraft to 100 destinations worldwide.

Commenting on the appointment, Al Baker said: “Marwan has a wealth of industry experience, including his long tenure with Qatar Airways where he has worked since the airline’s launch in 1997.

“We are delighted to welcome Marwan back to head office to help further strengthen the company’s commercial operations as we continue our exciting expansion plans.”

Koleilat joined Qatar Airways in 1997 as Sales & Marketing Manager for Qatar. He progressed rapidly over the years and assumed various managerial roles in Qatar Airways’ global network, including an assignment as the Area Manager in Abu Dhabi and thereafter, moved to Bangkok as Regional Manager for the Far East.

In 2004, he relocated to Singapore as Senior Manager Commercial Operations for the Far East. In 2008, he assumed higher responsibilities as Senior Vice-President for East Asia & South West Pacific and, under his leadership, Qatar Airways’ operations in the region grew exponentially. During his time in Asia between 2004 and 2011, Qatar Airways’ network of routes across the East Asia & South West Pacific region rose from four to 18 destinations.