Emirates' commercial operation undergoes change to support growth

Nabil Sultan is appointed Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran. He will be in charge of the airline's home region and one of its most commercially successful markets.

Nabil joined Emirates in 1990. During his 16-year long tenure, he has overseen some of the airline's most crucial markets including the U.A.E., United Kingdom and India. Nabil is instrumental in boosting Emirates' India presence from a two-city to an eight-gateway operation, served presently by 74 weekly flights.

Salem Obaidalla, previously Vice President, India and Nepal, moves to Dubai to take over his new responsibility as Vice President, Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean, representing a region in which frequency and capacity are constantly growing.

Also returning to the airline's headquarters is Adnan Kazim, appointed Vice President, Commercial Operations, Africa. Africa offers huge potential for future expansion, which is evident from Emirates' recent forays in the continent, including the start of passenger services to three new countries in one year alone.

The appointments take place with immediate effect.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: "Emirates is on the threshold of one of the biggest and most exciting growth graphs ever witnessed by any airline. We have no intention of slowing down, and these new appointments reflect our resolve to take the necessary organisational steps to manage our growth efficiently and successfully."

"All three share a deep knowledge and robust experience in the field of aviation. I am confident they will make a strong contribution to our business operations, and wish them every success."

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide added: "Nabil, Salem and Adnan have proven capabilities, and are among those that represent the future of Emirates. To their credit, they have successfully established the airline's operations in several countries worldwide, growing it from strength to strength over the years. They bring with them a wealth of experience that will prove extremely beneficial as Emirates spreads its wings."