New premium airline Wataniya Airways strengthens its senior management team

Paul Sies was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer and Chandrasekhar Nene has joined as Chief Information Officer, adding more international expertise and experience to the new airline.

Paul Sies brings with him nearly two decades of experience in the airline and leisure industry to his new commercial role at Wataniya Airways. He moves to Kuwait from Belgium where he was Chief Commercial Officer for Center Parcs Europe.

Previously Paul, a Dutch national, had worked in a number of senior commercial management roles in the airline industry in Europe since 1991, including 5 years as Commercial Director for the Virgin Group from 2000 to 2005. At Virgin Express in Brussels, Paul Sies was instrumental in restructuring the airline and helping the airline to its most successful year ever in 2005.

Chandrasekhar Nene brings 30 years of expertise in information technology and systems to his role at Wataniya Airways. His aviation experience includes senior roles at Jet Airways, Kenya Airway, Sahara Air and most recently Kingfisher Airlines in India before moving to Kuwait. Chandrashekhar has been instrumental in setting up efficient and robust IT solutions for these airlines, and has pioneered innovative solutions, such as the "Roving Agent" for mobile check In systems, Web Check In etc.,

Commenting on the appointments, Wataniya Airways Chief Executive Officer, George Cooper said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure Paul and Chandrasekhar as we continue to build and develop our team ahead of launching our first commercial flights early in 2009.

"It shows the quality and potential of our new premium airline that we are able to attract senior management of such calibre. Their commercial acumen and proven success record will play a vital role as we gear up to put in place the systems and processes we require to launch Wataniya Airways and make it the airline of choice for the sophisticated Kuwati traveler."

Wataniya Airways will start operations with a fleet of two Airbus A320 aircraft offering unparalleled room and comfort for all passengers with the lowest seat density of an A320 of any scheduled airline in the world.

Services will commence from January 2009 and will offer a point to point service from Kuwait to destinations south and west of the country in the Gulf and Middle East - providing flight schedules and destinations that focus on Kuwaiti needs.