Etihad Airways, sponsors of Manchester City, have announced a major move with the launch of the Etihad Aviation Group.
The new entity marks the next step in the United Arab Emirates national airline’s long-term business strategy, launching it as a global aviation group rather than just a single entity airline.
The new Etihad Aviation Group incorporates Etihad Airways, Etihad Airport Services and group support functions as well as the newly formed Hala Group including travel and tourism management and worldwide loyalty companies. The expansion also involves new executive appointments.
Group president and chief executive officer James Hogan, who will head up Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Ten years ago we started life as a small regional carrier, but with global ambitions.
"Since then we have grown to become one of the world’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, and have expanded and diversified our operations outside the core airline business laying the foundations to become one of the leading aviation and travel groups in the world.
“It is important that this exciting new approach and philosophy is reflected in the way we organise ourselves.
"The new Etihad Aviation Group structure reflects this diversification and is a natural development to deliver continued and sustainable success for Etihad Airways and its partners.”
A key element in the new structure is the establishment of the Hala Group, led by chief operating officer, Peter Baumgartner, formerly chief commercial officer Etihad Airways.
It combines travel management provided by Hala Travel Management, destination management services of Hala Abu Dhabi, the internationally expanding wholesale and tour operating business, Etihad Holidays, and other major start-up initiatives such as a new global loyalty company.
A new position of chief operating officer Etihad Airways will oversee the day-to-day running of the core airline.
A chief operating officer Equity Partners post will head another division, serving as an interface between the airline and equity partners.
The appointment will be responsible for bringing synergy benefits across the equity alliance to realisation as well as taking direct responsibility for Etihad’s management of Air Seychelles and Air Serbia.
