Etihad Airways today announced the appointment of Matthew Jennings, a seasoned federal and international government affairs leader with more than a decade of experience, to the newly-created Senior Manager of Public Affairs post, based in Washington, D.C.
Jennings will be responsible for engaging with key stakeholders, including U.S. policymakers, about Etihad Airways and the benefits the carrier’s growing presence brings to the U.S. economy and American consumers. He reports to Vice President of International and Public Affairs, Vijay Poonoosamy.
Jennings joins Etihad having recently held the position of Head of Legislative Affairs for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association representing the world’s leading airlines. While at IATA, he created and led legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of the organization’s 230 member carriers on key, global aviation issues, including a campaign opposing the European Union’s emissions trading scheme (EU ETS).
Poonoosamy said, “Matthew is a well-respected and proven government affairs leader with more than a decade of combined experience in the aviation industry and on the Hill. As we continue to build awareness and understanding within the U.S. about Etihad Airways’ many contributions to U.S. economic growth and the support of American businesses, he will play a critical role in strengthening Etihad’s presence and partnerships within the aviation and business sectors – all with an eye toward creating more jobs for Americans and further encouraging travel, trade and tourism to and from the U.S.” Jennings appointment coincides with the airline’s rapid U.S. expansion, including the June introduction of services between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), and new service launches to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) scheduled to start on November 18 and December 3 respectively. In addition to serving Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), Etihad Airways currently operates non-stop daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
“Aviation is a key driver of economic and job growth throughout the U.S. and as a contributor to that growth with a strong desire to do even more, I look forward to shining a light on the many benefits Etihad Airways’ presence within the U.S. provides for the country, Americans traveling worldwide and the aviation industry, including a world-class hospitality experience that is reinventing air travel expectations,” said Jennings. “I am pleased to join Etihad Airways at such an exciting time in the company’s history.”
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
