New Vice President to lead Amadeus' Airline business in the Middle East

Based in Dubai, Medawar will report to Frédéric Spagnou, Vice President Europe, Middle East & Africa. Antoine will have the support of the central Airline Distribution and IT teams.

Being the exclusive GDS provider to 13 leading carriers from the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO), the Middle East region has become a huge area of growth for Amadeus. In his new role, Antoine will be in charge of spearheading the relationship with Middle East airlines and the local organisations in the region.

Previously based in Paris, Medawar was the Managing Director of Amadeus Hospitality Business Group where he was responsible for Amadeus' worldwide hospitality business.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Antoine Medawar has developed a successful career in the IT and hospitality sectors. Before joining Amadeus, he was President & CEO of Optims, European supplier of hospitality IT services, which he founded and was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange in 2001 and later acquired by Amadeus in 2004.

A French citizen of Lebanese origin, Medawar holds a degree in Hotel Management and an advanced DESS degree in Finance and Information Systems.

"Dubai has become the nerve centre for the Middle East's travel industry. Strengthening the Amadeus presence and resources in the Amadeus Regional Hub here ensures that we are closer to our customers to further increase the high standards of service and solutions, with a long-term partnership approach Amadeus is famous for in the region,"

explains Antoine Medawar.

"Amadeus operations in the Middle East have been growing at a fast pace and we aim to continue this growth rate. To support our expansion strategies we are increasing our local presence and investing additional resources in the region. Antoine's appointment to oversee our Airline business falls in line with our ambitious plans for the Middle East. We understand that this unique opportunity requires special attention and we are confident that Antoine's experience and enthusiasm will be an added boost to the team," commented Frédéric Spagnou, Vice President Europe, Middle East & Africa, Amadeus.