Hogan looks at the future

Development and growth within the airline industry, along with confronting serious challenges, continues to be led by Middle Eastern hubs and airlines, and spearheaded by airline’s like Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways. That was the message delivered by James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and CEO, during an address to 200 delegates at the Future of Air Transport Conference that was held in London earlier this week. Hogan spoke in depth about the positive impact the Middle East is having on the global economy and how the focus is shifting from the traditional, more established markets to the emerging economic powerhouses in the Middle East, Asia, South America and Africa. “In an uncertain world,” Hogan observed, “The Middle East is one of the ‘strong pockets’ for growth in aviation.” Etihad’s boss also pointed out that in addition to capitalizing on its strategic geographical location, the Middle East region works because of a new approach — and Abu Dhabi is a prime example of a new aviation hub. “There’s an unprecedented focus on service, we are able to work from a new cost control template and there’s no legacy airline baggage,” Hogan said. And he went on to point out that: “The connectivity provided by Etihad Airways is key to Abu Dhabi’s regional competitiveness and we relish our integral role in inbound tourism and the promotion of Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination.” Hogan also said that: “The double-digit growth we are seeing is largely supported by the government’s vision for the future which is backed by considerable investment in tourism infrastructure and Abu Dhabi’s willingness to embrace best practice and knowledge in other key areas including manufacturing, education and health.” “Our blueprint for the future is shaped by our commitment to continue our integral and definitive role in the prodigious growth and economic development in the UAE,” Etihad’s boss added. Go to http://www.etihad.com for more.