Etihad appoints new Australia country manager

He takes over from Cramer Ball who has been promoted to Etihad's regional general manager for Asia Pacific South and Australasia.

Lindsay brings more than 25 years of aviation industry experience to the role, having started his career with British Caledonian Airways in 1982 as a sales executive in his native Scotland.

He held various senior managerial roles at British Airways before joining Gulf Air in 2005 as its general manager in Malaysia and Brunei.

He latterly worked as country manager Malaysia for Etihad Airways.

Geert Boven, Etihad Airways' executive vice president sales and services, said: 'Lindsay brings a wealth of experience to the role which no doubt will contribute to Etihad's continuing success in Australia. He understands the challenges faced by the industry and the importance of the Australian market in the global growth plans of Etihad Airways.'

Etihad Airways began flights to Sydney in March 2007 and flights to Brisbane in September of the same year.

Since then the airline has tripled its number of flights from Australia and carried more than 145,000 passengers.

The Abu Dhabi based airline plans to build on this success by launching flights to a third Australian destination in 2009.

Etihad will increase from October its Sydney flights from daily to 11 services per week.

Mr White said: 'In a very short period of time Etihad has established itself as one of the most popular airlines operating in the Australian market. I am proud to join this successful team and look forward to maintain the airline's leading position in Brisbane and Sydney and oversee further growth across Australia.'