Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, announced on Monday the creation of the Etihad Aviation Group, a new structure marking the transition from a single entity airline to a wider global aviation group.
The group marks the company’s latest step in its long-term business strategy.
In addition to the core airline, the group includes a division to coordinate and manage Etihad’s investment in its equity airline partners.
Commercial opportunities
A key element in the new structure is the establishment of the Hala Group, which has been formed recognising the airline’s commercial opportunities that have grown beyond air travel across a variety of travel and hospitality businesses.
The Hala Group will bring businesses together to drive commercial value for Etihad Airways, for Abu Dhabi, and for the airline’s equity alliance partners. It combines travel management; destination management services; the internationally expanding tour operating business, Etihad Holidays, and other start-up initiatives.
Etihad Aviation Group will be headed by James Hogan who is currently Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer.
“[The group] will ensure that we work more closely than ever before to maximise the tremendous opportunities, and deliver a sustainably profitable future for Etihad Airways and wider Etihad Aviation Group members, while ensuring we meet ambitious targets relating to revenue, cost, and synergy benefits,” Hogan said.
