Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo has appointed several Emirati nationals within its commercial division to boost both its global customer programme as well as its UAE home market

In a “renewed focus and mandate,” the UAE commercial function will be headed by Bader Ahmed Al Ali as senior manager commercial for the UAE home market.

Ahmed Al Ali joined Etihad Cargo in 2010, having previously spent several years in the financial services sector in Abu Dhabi, and has held several posts within Etihad Cargo, most recently as manager government key accounts and charters.

In his new role, he will look after UAE key customer accounts, UAE Government key accounts, Dubai and Northern Emirates sales, Abu Dhabi sales, imports and Etihad Cargo counter sales at the Abu Dhabi Cargo Terminal, as well as specialized product sales in the UAE including perishables, live animals and luxury vehicles.

He will oversee a group of Emiratis also taking up new roles within the UAE commercial team, with Raya Mohamed Ibrahim handling UAE key accounts, Hessa Al Shehhi responsible for government key accounts and Aref Al Mulla dealing with Dubai & Northern Emirates sales.

Etihad Cargo is also revamping its global customer programme and cargo loyalty scheme, with Haleema Al Hosani appointed as senior manager to lead these two areas.

Holding a Masters in National and International Security, Haleema has been with the Etihad Aviation Group for over two years serving within the government & international affairs division.

Prior to this, she held several posts with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, the Abu Dhabi Aviation Sector Development Committee and the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Transport Regulatory Panel.

Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, managing director cargo and logistics services at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Today Etihad is proud to see these talented Emirati individuals take up leadership positions within Etihad Cargo.

“Since our inception 15 years ago, Etihad Cargo has grown rapidly to cement its place as a top 20 global air cargo carrier.

“Our Global Customer program, our loyalty scheme and our UAE home market have all been key catalysts for this growth, and today’s key Emirati appointments are a further signal of our commitment to better serve these segments, while developing our top Emirati talents into key leadership positions”.