Etihad Airways has appointed Bradley Edwards as its new regional business development manager for the Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean region.

Based at Etihad Airways’ new offices in Sandton, Johannesburg, Bradley will oversee key sales strategies across seven countries in Africa with the objective of accelerating the growth of Etihad’s revenues through expanded distribution and segmentation strategies which increase awareness of the airline and its market share across the region. 

Maurice Phohleli, Etihad Airways vice president Africa Sub-Sahara & Indian Ocean Islands, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bradley to our regional team.

“Our growing commitment in Africa has seen our regional team grow in order to serve our customers and partners even more efficiently.”

Edwards has worked in the tourism sector for over 15 years.

Prior to joining Etihad Airways, he held various managerial positions at Comair, British Airways Group and South African Airways, driving sales strategies and ensuring route profitability.

On taking up his new position, Edwards said: “I’m honoured to be joining Etihad Airways’ regional team.

“The increase in regional demand presents some exciting opportunities for the industry and I look forward to engaging with various stakeholders to meet this growth.”

Bradley will report to Maurice Phohleli, and work very closely with the local South Africa team headed by general manager, John Friel.

Etihad Airways currently flies to six destinations in the African Sub-Sahara and Indian Ocean region including: Johannesburg, Nairobi, Khartoum, Lagos, Entebbe and Mahé in the Seychelles, and has announced plans to launch services to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania in December 2015.