Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed James Harrison as general manager for the United Kingdom.

Harrison, who has more than 25 years of travel industry experience, takes up the role after two years as Etihad Airways’ general manager for Canada.

In his new role Harrison will be based in London, where he will hold all commercial responsibilities as well as developing relations with the airline’s trade and corporate partners.

Danny Barranger, vice president of global sales for Etihad Airways, said: “This is an exciting time to be leading the UK commercial team, as we continue to increase Airbus 380 services to London Heathrow, and with Edinburgh being added to the network from June.

“The availability of our new high-end product, The Residence, alongside our First Class apartments and Business studios on the London services also underlines the importance of the UK market to our network.”

Harrison has previously worked for Hertz, British Airways and Gulf Air prior to joining Etihad Airways in 2009, where he was based in Manchester.

Later he worked as the airline’s state manager in Melbourne, returning to the UK in 2012 to work in global sales.

He will take on his new position from June 16th.

He replaces Clive Wratten, who after eight years with the airline is moving to a position with a travel management company.

Wratten has been at the forefront of developing the UK operation over several years of service for the airline.

Etihad is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards.