Etihad appoints vice president flight operations

In his new position Captain Schippel will be responsible for all aspects of Etihad's flight operations which include ensuring that flights operate under the highest standards of safety and efficiency set by the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Reporting to Captain Richard Hill, Etihad's executive vice president operations, Captain Schippel will also oversee preparations for flight operations to new Etihad destinations, the day to day management of the airline's 675 pilots and its growing aircraft fleet.

Captain Richard Hill said:

"Christoph brings a vast amount of experience and expertise to this position and he will ensure that Etihad's flight operations division operates to our usual high standards especially as Etihad continues to expand the number of destinations on its flight network."

Prior to his appointment as VP flight operations, Captain Schippel held the position of Etihad chief pilot of the Airbus A340 and fleet chief Airbus aircraft where he oversaw the introduction of Etihad's first Airbus A340-600 in 2007.

Captain Schippel said: "Having worked for Etihad shortly after its creation in 2003 I have been closely involved with the development of the airline and seen it grow first-hand in flight operations, therefore I look forward to build upon this work as the airline establishes itself further within the industry."

Captain Schippel also worked on the introduction of "SkyBook" in 2006, a pilot laptop that significantly reduces the amount of paper-work flight deck members have to carry out. It also securely handles and presents for every pilot all applications and documents relevant to the operation of a flight.

Before joining Etihad, Captain Schippel worked at LTU International Airways in Germany. Flying as a captain on the A330, Boeing 767 and 757 aircraft types he also worked in LTU flight operations management for more than 10 years.

Captain Schippel holds a German masters degree in aeronautical engineering. He started his professional career as an aircraft sales manger at Airbus Industrie in Toulouse in 1986 before he became a professional pilot in 1992.