Etihad names new GM for Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed John Evans as its new general manager for the Philippines.

Evans has more than 35 years of experience in airline operations including senior management roles at Swissair and Gulf Air in the UK and Thailand. He has transferred to the Manila-based position from Cyprus, where he was Etihad Airways general manager for the past year.

Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer of Etihad Airways, said he was delighted to welcome Evans to the airlineís Asia Pacific South commercial leadership team.

Evans brings to the role a great depth of international sales and general management experience that will guide the next phase of our growth in the Philippines market.

The Abu Dhabi-Manila route is one of the most important in Etihad Airways’ network and provides a vital trade, tourism and cultural link between the UAE, the GCC and the Philippines.

With Evans leading our well-established local team in Manila, we are assured of its continuing success.

Evans assumed his role on Sept. 6, reporting to Mr. Lindsay White, Etihad Airways vice-president for Asia Pacific South and Australasia.

Etihad Airways commenced services to the Philippines in February 2006. Today, the airline operates 14 services a week to Manila with a mixed fleet of Boeing B777 and Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured in two classes – Pearl Business and Coral Economy.

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 86 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 67 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus. For more information, please visit: www.etihadcargo.com