Etihad Aviation Group has confirmed Abdul Khaliq Saeed will take up the role of chief executive for Etihad Airways Engineering, replacing Jeff Wilkinson, who is leaving the post after 11 years with the company.

Saeed brings over 35 years of international maintenance, repair and overhaul industry experience, and joins Etihad Airways Engineering from Abu Dhabi based, Turbine Services & Solutions where he has been chief executive since 2014.

Before joining TS&S, he was president of Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies until it was acquired by Etihad Airways and became Etihad Airways Engineering in 2014.
He has also held senior positions within Mubadala Aerospace, Jet Airways, and Gulf Air.

Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, chairman of the board of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “We are delighted to have Abdul Khaliq as chief executive of Etihad Airways Engineering.

“The organisation has become a critical enabler for UAE commercial aviation and Abu Dhabi’s role as a global aviation hub over the past 25 years.

“Under his leadership, we will maintain our focus on innovation and business performance.”

Ray Gammell, interim group chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group, also paid tribute to outgoing chief executive Jeff Wilkinson, whom he commended for leading the integration of ADAT to Etihad Airways Engineering, a complex change management programme that required skilful leadership.

Gammell added: “We are very happy to have Abdul Khaliq leading the world-class team at Etihad Airways Engineering.

“The business enables Etihad Airways and many global airlines to keep their fleets flying.

“Abdul Khaliq’s experience, knowledge of the regional aviation market and proven track record makes him the clear choice to operate and grow this critical part of the Etihad Aviation Group.”