Etihad Airways, the national airline of UAE, has promoted Othman Aleghfeli to area manager GCC - the first Emirati to hold this position.

Prior to this, he served as an assistant general manager for the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub.

In his new role, Aleghfeli will be responsible for overseeing the airline’s operations and driving growth in the GCC.

Having joined Etihad Airways in 2007, Aleghfeli has almost a decade of operational experience in the aviation industry.

Over the years Aleghfeli has demonstrated exceptional commitment and been recognised for self-motivation, creativity and taking responsibility. He won the airline’s Employee of the Year Award twice; in 2012 for ‘Best Emirati Operations Employee in the Network’ and in 2014 for ‘Best Station Manager Performance of the Year’, the airline said in a statement.

Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways chief people and performance officer, said: “We are proud of Othman and his valuable contribution to the operational side of our business. His story is one of determination, aspiration and can-do attitude. He is a true embodiment of the success of our UAE National Development Programme and a remarkable example of our Emirati employees’ enthusiasm for becoming aviation leaders.”

Chris Youlten, senior vice president airports and network operations at Etihad Airways, said: “I am delighted to have someone of Othman’s calibre in our team.  I have known him as a graduate manager and long been an admirer of his successful operation in Seoul.  With his strong expertise in operations, he will be able to lead the team to develop our business in the GCC region.” – TradeArabia News Service