Etihad Airways’ Chief Operating Officer Mohammad Al Bulooki Steps Down

6 months ago Editor

In a recent development, Etihad Airways, the UAE’s flag carrier, announced the departure of its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mohammad Al Bulooki. Al Bulooki, who held the position since 2018, has stepped down from his role, with John Wright, previously the Vice President of Network, Airports, and Cargo Operations at Etihad, assuming the interim position.

Al Bulooki, a veteran in the aviation industry, joined Etihad in 2015 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer before taking on the role of COO. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in overseeing critical areas such as hub operations, revenue management, sales, network planning, alliances, flight operations, technical, catering, ground handling, and cargo operations.

Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, expressed gratitude for Al Bulooki’s contributions in an internal memo to staff, acknowledging his instrumental role in the company’s growth and development over the years. Neves highlighted Al Bulooki’s involvement in Etihad’s achievements and emphasized his invaluable contributions to the broader Abu Dhabi aviation ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Al Bulooki’s departure comes amidst Etihad’s notable financial achievements in recent years. In 2023, the airline reported its second consecutive annual profit, with a net profit of $143 million, marking a significant increase from $5.5 million in the previous year. This success was driven by a $1.1 billion year-on-year growth in passenger revenue and a 7% reduction in non-fuel costs.

Additionally, Etihad experienced a remarkable increase in passenger numbers, rising by 40% from 10 million to 14 million during the same period. This surge contributed to passenger revenue reaching $4.5 billion, solidifying Etihad’s position as one of the top-performing airlines in the region. The airline’s load factor also improved to 86%, surpassing the previous year’s record of 82%.

Amidst these achievements, Etihad Airways continues to navigate leadership changes, with John Wright assuming the interim COO role. As Etihad adapts to this transition, the airline remains committed to maintaining its strong performance and delivering exceptional service to passengers worldwide.