Etihad appoints new vice president in-flight services

Ms Eklof has more than 20 years of airline industry experience, and joins Etihad from the Scandinavian carrier, Finnair, where she had held the position of VP cabin operations since 2002.

Geert Boven, executive vice president sales and services, said: "In-flight service is crucial to the success of an airline and we look forward to having someone with Maija's experience and expertise join Etihad. Her extensive industry knowledge will enhance further the in-flight experience for our customers."

Ms Eklof successfully implemented several internal programmes, at the Helsinki-based national airline of Finland, to increase the performance and competence levels of cabin crew.

She is also vice chairman of the board of International Air Transport Association In-flight, which involves work on legislation issues as well as raising standards of in-flight cabin safety and security.

She began her career with Finnair in 1982 as a flight attendant, moving on to other roles which included communications officer, training supervisor and product manager.

Ms Eklof said: "Etihad Airways continues to expand at an impressive rate and I am thrilled to lead the development and management of the airline's cabin crew and in-flight services. Etihad's customers expect and deserve the very best in-flight experience and that's a challenge I am looking forward to handling."