Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has appointed Toyin Alaran as its new GM for Uganda, following the launch of its new services between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi on May 1.

Based in Kampala, Alaran will be responsible for establishing and developing strong working relationships with corporate clients and key partners in the travel and tourism trade, and in growing the airline’s presence and operations in Uganda.

With more than 24 years’ experience in the travel industry, Alaran joined Etihad Airways in 2014 as sales manager for Nigeria, before being appointed acting GM for Uganda earlier this year.

He earlier worked in various managerial positions at Air France KLM, which included regional sales manager for West Africa based in Ghana, and as head of sales in Nigeria.

Danny Barranger, Etihad Airways’ SVP, global sales, said: “I am delighted that Alaran will be leading our team in Uganda to grow our business there. His extensive commercial experience and successful track record in the African aviation industry will be invaluable as he continues to develop awareness of Etihad Airways and the best in class travel experience it provides its guests.”

Etihad Airways’ new four-times-a-week service, operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats, provides business and leisure travelers with a direct service between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi, and onward connections to key destinations in the GCC region, Europe, Indian Subcontinent, North Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Alaran said: “I am excited about the opportunity to develop Etihad Airways’ presence in Uganda because it is one of Africa’s fastest growing business and tourism destinations.

Alaran will report to Maurice Phohleli, Etihad Airways’ VP, Africa Sub Sahara and Indian Ocean.

Etihad Airways currently operates scheduled services to eight other destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean.