Etihad appoints General Manager for Brazil

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Juan Torres as the airline’s General Manager in Brazil. 

The appointment of Mr. Torres follows the recent announcement Etihad Airways will fly to Sao Paulo, the airline’s first South American destination, from June 2013. 

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner, said: “This is an important next step in preparations to launch our first operations into Brazil and I am very pleased to welcome Juan during what will be an extremely important year ahead as we build towards entering this key market. 

“Business, tourism and trade ties between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil are strong and growing at a phenomenal rate. Our launch into this important destination will further enhance the ever-improving connections between the two countries.” 

Mr. Torres takes up the position in Sao Paulo following two years as General Manager in Japan, where he also launched the airline’s start-up operations. Prior to this he worked for the UAE’s national airline in the Philippines where he was based for three years as GM. 

Before joining Etihad Airways, Mr. Torres was with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines where he held a number of positions as General Manager and Regional General Manager in different parts of the world. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity in one of the most exciting countries in the world,” said Mr. Torres. “I’m looking forward to getting the Sao Paulo operations up and running and playing an instrumental role in what I’m sure will be a critically important and successful market for Etihad Airways, our home Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE.” 

The flights to Sao Paulo will begin on 1 June 2013 operated by a three class A340-600 aircraft, offering 12 Diamond First class, 32 Pearl Business class and 248 Coral Economy seats - a total 2,044 seats per week.