Etihad Airways has announced the expansion of its USA commercial team with the addition of three new sales roles in the airline’s New York City and Los Angeles offices.

The growth of the USA sales force reflects the growing importance of the market for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.

Etihad currently operates daily flights to New York and Chicago and will launch daily flights to Washington, DC in March 2013.

The new appointments are: Ron Glickman as key account manager - corporate sales; Carlos Guzman as key account manager − travel management company (TMC) sales; and Pablo Alberti as account manager − sales.

Ron Glickman joins the New York team where he will be responsible for developing international corporate sales revenue, working with major corporations in the New York metropolis who have business across the Etihad Airways network.

Glickman brings over five years of aviation sales experience to Etihad Airways, with extensive knowledge working in corporate sales and key regions.

Glickman holds a BA in International Studies from New York University.

Carlos Guzman will also be based in the New York office, targeting the major corporate travel agents.

He brings more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience to the role, having previously served as cargo sales executive for US Airways, north-east region, responsible for sales planning and development of worldwide growth.

Guzman holds a BS in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Pablo Alberti will cover the West Coast based out of Los Angeles, where he will work and develop codeshare operations between Etihad Airways and American Airlines.

Alberti will be focused on strengthening the airline’s presence in the region and bringing the brand bi-coastal.

Previously, Alberti served as the manager of leisure sales for North America, Asia and Australia at Avianca TACA.

He holds a BS in Management from Tulane University and an MBA from California State University.

Geert Boven, Etihad Airways senior vice president Americas, said: “We are excited to welcome Ron, Carlos and Pablo to our sales team. The USA is an expansive market, so as we grow our presence, it is vital that we also build our team to reflect the evolving needs of the region.

“I am confident that the collective experience and skills of these new additions will better position Etihad Airways for continued success here.”

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