A new General Manager has been appointed for Etihad Airways in Nigeria, he is George Mawadri and is now tasked with the responsibility of growing Etihad Airways’ relationships with its travel trade and corporate customers while furthering the development of the airline’s commercial strategy in Nigeria.

Prior to his latest appointment, Mawadri served as British Airways’ Commercial-Manager for East and Central Africa. He has served British Airways for 19 years in Uganda, Kenya and Zambia in the East and Central Africa region, as well as the surrounding feeder markets of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sudan and South Sudan.

“I am excited to take on this new role with Etihad Airways in one of the airline’s most dynamic markets,” said George Mawadri. “I look forward to working with the team to find new and innovative ways of expanding our strategic corporate and trade partnerships, strengthening our commercial ties and providing our guests with Etihad Airways’ world-class service, comfort, and hospitality.”

Danny Barranger, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president, Global Sales, said: “I am delighted that George will be leading our team in Nigeria to grow our business there. His extensive commercial experience and successful track record in the African aviation industry will be invaluable as he continues to develop awareness of Etihad Airways, making him the ideal candidate for this important position.”

Etihad Airways launched its service between Lagos and Abu Dhabi on 1 July 2012 and currently operates four-times-per-week using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured to carry 254 guests, 18 in Business Class and 236 in Economy Class.

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2015 carried 17.6 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to serve, 117 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

The airline has a fleet of 122 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with 204 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in air berlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional. Etihad Airways, along with Air berlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a brand that brings together partner airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.