Etihad Airways has appointed 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, DC.

Jennings will be responsible for engaging with key stakeholders, including US policymakers, about Etihad Airways and the benefits the carrier’s growing presence brings to the US 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 US about Etihad Airways’ many contributions to US 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 US.”

Mr. Jennings appointment coincides with the airline’s rapid US 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, DC’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).  - TradeArabia News Service