Emirates has announced a number of management changes in its commercial operations department that will see two UAE nationals assuming new roles to support the airline’s growth in the Middle East (ME) and Far East.

The commercial team promotions, effective Oct. 15, are also a further testament to the airline’s dedicated focus to the strategic direction and broader development of its business within these regions.

Badr Abbas has been named SVP, commercial operations Far East, and will be responsible for the development of commercial operations in the region. Beginning his career with Emirates as a management trainee in 2000, Badr has grown his career with the commercial team over the past 15 years, holding various positions in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Cyprus, before becoming VP commercial operations, the UAE & Oman, in 2012. Badr’s new area of responsibility spans 11 countries from Indonesia to Japan.

Khalid Bel Jaflah has been appointed divisional VP, commercial operations, the UAE & Oman, a market which comprises Emirates’ hub and the largest single market in terms of passenger revenue for the airline. Khalid began his commercial career with Emirates’ management trainee program in 2001. He held managerial roles in Syria, Morocco, Senegal, India, East Africa and the UAE before becoming VP commercial operations, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen in 2013.

Thierry Antinori, EVP commercial operations and chief commercial officer, Emirates Airline, commented: “The promotions of Badr and Khalid, both seasoned executives in the commercial team, reflect our commitment to the career development and progression of our employees. Their appointments will further strengthen our management team and will keep us agile to meet the challenges of our industry. Badr and Khalid will be tasked with seeking out new commercial opportunities and driving revenue growth in some of our most critical markets and regions.”