UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has appointed Toyin Alaran as its new general manager for Uganda, following the launch of its new services between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi in May.

Based in Kampala, Toyin will be responsible for establishing and developing strong working relationships with corporate clients and key partners in the travel and tourism trade, and in growing the airline’s presence and operations in Uganda.

With more than 24 years’ experience in the travel industry, Toyin joined Etihad Airways in 2014 as sales manager for Nigeria, before being appointed acting general manager for Uganda earlier this year.

Prior to joining Etihad, he also worked in various managerial positions at Air France KLM, which included as regional sales manager for West Africa based in Ghana, and as head of sales in Nigeria.  

Danny Barranger, Etihad Airways’ senior VP (Global Sales), said: "I am delighted that Toyin will be leading our team in Uganda 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 and the ‘best in class’ travel experience it provides its guests."

“Uganda is a welcome addition to our growing network of popular destinations around the world and the opening of this new route provides travellers with greater choice and flexibility when travelling to or from the East African region,” he said.

Etihad’s new four-times-a-week service, operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats, provides business and leisure travellers with a direct service between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi, and convenient onward connections to key destinations in the GCC region, Europe, Indian Subcontinent, North Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Commenting on the new role, Toyin said: "I am excited about the opportunity to develop Etihad Airways’ presence in Uganda because it is one of Africa’s fastest-growing business and tourism destinations."

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our commercial partners to develop the business, and to ensure our guests are provided with exceptional value and service whenever they fly with us.”

Toyin will report to Maurice Phohleli, Etihad Airways’ VP Africa Sub Sahara and Indian Ocean.

Etihad Airways currently operates scheduled services to eight other destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean, including: Johannesburg, Khartoum, Casablanca, Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, Tripoli and Mahé in the Seychelles.-TradeArabia News Service