Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Mr Remco Althuis as its new General Manager for China.

Remco is an aviation specialist with more than 19 years’ experience in sales and revenue management, marketing, e-commerce, and ground operations for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. For the past six years, he has been stationed in Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai, most recently as the Air France-KLM regional manager for eastern China.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said that Remco would be a great asset to the airline’s fast-growing business in China.

“Remco brings to the role a wealth of industry knowledge, skills and experience from his almost two decades in aviation and a deep understanding of Chinese culture and business practices.

“The growth of China is of strategic importance to Etihad and the development of partner alliances will be a key part of our continued expansion plans, along with continued growth of our existing services into Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu.”

Remco said: “I am delighted to be joining Etihad Airways at this point in its development in China.

“My years of experience in the Chinese market have given me valuable insight into the local business culture and the dynamics of the outbound travel market.

“I look forward to working with the travel industry and our airline partners in China to achieve mutually beneficial commercial success.”

Remco will commence in the Beijing-based role on July 1, reporting to Joost den Hartog, Etihad Airways’ Vice President for Asia Pacific North and the Indian Sub-Continent.

Etihad Airways commenced services to China in March 2008. Today, the airline operates a total of 18 services a week to its three gateways: Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. Etihad Airways employs a total of 105 Chinese nationals across its global operation including approximately 10 Abu Dhabi-based Chinese pilots and 50 cabin crew.