Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has appointed 34 Emirati employees to key roles across the airline’s global network.

The UAE Nationals were appointed as Airport and Airport Duty Managers in 25 destinations across Europe, the United States, Middle East, South East Asia and the Pacific region.

Most of these appointments are part of the Airport Operations Management Program, a structured three-year training initiative that develops talented Emiratis who are carefully selected and trained in all aspects of airport operations.

The program is underpinned by a recognized International Air Transport Association Diploma aimed at elevating the aviation knowledge and experience of the airport graduate managers and, as a result, helping them build their careers in the aviation industry.

The international appointments are based on the business needs of the airline and the capabilities of the staff. This means that high-performing employees are assigned to busy destinations where they can gain even more exposure and face more challenges.

Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways’ Chief Operations Officer, said: “The expertise of Emirati staff is crucial to the growth of our airline. These appointments are part of our strategy to attract and develop top Emirati talent for key roles in our expanding global network.

“These Emirati managers have shown exceptional aptitude and I am delighted to announce their international appointments.

“They will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our business and further their careers in some of our most important markets worldwide.”

Othman Bakhit Al Ghafli, Etihad Airways’ Airport Manager in South Korea, said: “My career in Etihad began when I joined the graduate management program in 2007, and since then I have been appointed as Airport Duty Manager in Chicago, Jeddah and Geneva.

“Today my hard work is being rewarded with a promotion to Airport Manager at Seoul International Airport in South Korea. I am grateful to the Etihad Airways’ management team for their continuous encouragement and support.”

The Etihad Airways Emiratisation program continues to grow with an increasing number of Emiratis working in senior roles at the airline within Abu Dhabi and across Etihad’s expanding network. The program offers a wide range of training opportunities for UAE Nationals, including a cadet pilot scheme, a contact center development program, a technical engineering development program and a graduate management development program.

Currently Etihad Airways has more than 1,200 UAE nationals employed in various jobs spanning the spectrum of its operations.

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