Etihad boosts senior team to drive Australasia ops

Etihad Airways said on Wednesday it had made a senior appointment as part of its plan to grow operations in Australasia. The Abu Dhabi-based airline said it had appointed Luisa Pastrello as its general manager for Australia and New Zealand. Pastrello previously held a number of senior management positions at Australian carrier Qantas Group and was an advisory board member for Tourism New South Wales. Peter Baumgartner, chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said Pastrello would bring "valuable industry experience and leadership to the airline's Australasian operation". "The Australasian market is one of the most significant and diverse in the Etihad Airways network and is strategically important," he added. Last year, Etihad launched a major nationwide advertising campaign in Australia in a bid to grow its market share and take customers from homegrown airlines such as Qantas. The campaign urged Australians to "change to the best" and showcases the airline's "superior product and service offering". Of the appointment, Baumgartner added: "It will add impetus to our drive for a bigger share of the consumer's mind and the outbound travel market in the region." Pastrello, who takes up her new role on May 21, said: "I am delighted to be joining Etihad Airways at this point in its rapid growth trajectory. "I am especially looking forward to working with my colleagues and our industry partners in Australia and New Zealand to grow the business in mutually beneficial ways." Last year, Etihad announced a tie-up with the country's number two airline Virgin Blue after getting the green light from Australia's competition watchdog in February. Qantas Airways, Australia’s largest carrier, opposed the alliance, raising concerns about the impact of prices between Abu Dhabi and Europe.