May 16, 2012

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Luisa Pastrello as its General Manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Ms Pastrello is an airline and travel industry executive with extensive experience in the Australian and international arena. Her career includes a number of senior management positions at the Qantas Group and American Express International and a three-year term as advisory board member for Tourism New South Wales.

Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, Peter Baumgartner, said Luisa would bring valuable industry experience and leadership to the airline's Australasian operations.

"The Australasian market is one of the most significant and diverse in the Etihad Airways network and is strategically important.

"With an impressive track record in sales and marketing management as well as customer acquisition and retention strategy, Luisa's appointment as general manager combines all the key ingredients for our success as an airline of choice for the consumer and our industry partners. It will add impetus to our drive for a bigger share of the consumer's mind and the outbound travel market in the region."

Luisa said: "I am delighted to be joining Etihad Airways at this point in its rapid growth trajectory.

"I am especially looking forward to working with my colleagues and our industry partners in Australia and New Zealand to grow the business in mutually beneficial ways."

Luisa takes up the new appointment from 21 May, reporting to Regional General Manager Asia Pacific South and Australasia, Lindsay White.

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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2011 carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 84 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also owns nearly 30 per cent of airberlin, Europe's sixth largest airline, and 40 per cent of Air Seychelles. For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

For more information contact:
Stephen Mahoney
Senior Manager Communications - Australia and Asia
E: smahoney@etihad.ae
M: +61 488 125 538

© Press Release 2012