Airline to decide whether to appeal
Ian Heywood, former BA executive, has been cleared of charges of industrial espionage in a court in Qatar.
The allegations came from his former employees, Qatar Airways.
Despite the court's verdict, Mr Heywood, 47, is not free to leave the country until the carrier decides whether it is going to appeal or not.
He has been held in the Middle East state since May 1 when he was arrested while working out his notice as the airline's vp global sales and distribution.
Mr Heywood, formerly head of business sales at BA, had been recruited as commercial director at UK carrier BMI.
The post has since been filled by Martyn Bridger.
Mr Heywood was detained as he was leaving the country and held in custody until May 28 before being released on bail conditions which prevented him leaving Qatar.
The charges against him when he appeared in court yesterday (November 30) concerned alleged breach of contract.
www.qatarairways.com