Saudi Arabias mega-airline startup has allegedly poached Etihad Airways CEO Tony Douglas to start up the airline. That said, its staff and employees will continue to receive housing allowances and education assistance during the period and in the future, local media reports said. Andrew Chuter is the United Kingdom correspondent for Defense News. Gammell has previously spoken of the challenges facing Etihad and the need for the airline to carry out a programme of cost reductions in order to better compete with competitors. Douglas holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Lancaster University. Last year, the speculation intensified when Etihad found itself with $4.7 billion in losses over three years, largely due to failed investments in other airlines and competition from rivals. We support credit card, debit card and PayPal payments. [12], In 2022, Tony and his Emirates Airlines counterpart applied for UAE natonality and was granted it.[13]. Etihad Airways has today announced the appointment of a new Group chief executive Tony Douglas, the 54-year-old British executive will join the Abu Dhabi-based airline in January after being poached by the aviation group from his current role at the UKs Ministry of Defence (MOD). For a full comparison of Standard and Premium Digital, click here. DE&S did not return telephone calls seeking comment. Tony Douglass tenure at Etihad Airways has been focused on minimizing losses at the airline. Etihad Cabin Crew Jobs Click here to find out where Etihad are recruiting Cabin Crew OR have a look at their recruitment process so you know what to do. . It's a smart move by MbS, and Douglas gets the Benefit having seen the missteps of Emirates, QA, his own predecessor, in creating RIA from ground up, clean slate. Bloomberg is reporting that Etihad Airways has now reached out to a number of current and former airline CEOs, in a quest to replace Douglas. Eyebrows were raised after Saudi Arabian authorities announced plans to launch a second flag carrier backed by a huge $30 billion investment from the country's PIF. RIA will be much more lax in that regard, based in Riyadh, and focused on tourism. analyse how our Sites are used. Im very curious to see who ends up at the helm of Etihad. He serves as the CEO of Riyadh Air, a Saudi Public Investment Fund subsidiary. Gulf airlines have been hit by the slump in oil prices, We will update Tony Douglas's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Saudi Arabias wealth fund has named former Etihad Aviation Group boss Tony Douglas chief executive officer of a new national airline, as the country looks to Since the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has been happy to throw around gobs of money to poach golfers away from the PGA Tour, I have to imagine that Douglas will have all the resources he could possibly need to get RIA off the ground. Its not surprising to see that he accepted the offer, given how much Saudi Arabia is presumably willing to pay. No spam, just a weekly roundup of the best aviation news that you don't want to miss. According, German flag carrier Lufthansa is launching its Airbus A380 to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has announced thata deal has been finalized with HNA Aviation Group for, As more and more United States (US)-based airlines announce their financial results for the first quarter of the, Ex-Etihad CEO Tony Douglas leavesSaudis RIA, Join a community of over 200 thousand subscribers who receive our daily newsletter, How a retired Boeing 737 was transformed into a private luxury villa in Bali, All-female crew simulates Mars trip in Utah, The ACMI business is just going to grow. Pascal Picano, Avia Solutions Group, Turkish evacuation plane hit by bullet fired by paramilitaries, say Sudan army, New Saudi Arabia Airline RIA eyes Etihads Tony Douglas as CEO: report, Saudi Arabia to order 40 A350s for new national airline RIA: Reuters, Saudi Arabia to set up third new global airline alongside RIA, Saudia: report, Man ducks on runway to avoid being struck by landing private plane: video, Southwest Airlines plans to spend $2.3 billion on new 737 MAX aircraft in 2023, Lufthansa adds A380 to LAX, Bangkok routes; commences Bangalore, Hyderabad flights, COMAC receives orders for 60 C919 and 40 ARJ21s from HNA Aviation Group. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Web2018. Etihad Airways announced in October 2017 that they had appointed Douglas Group Chief Executive Officer with effect from January 2018. Abu Dhabis Sovereign Wealth Fund Takes Control of Etihad Airways and CEO Tony Douglas Confirms He is Leaving Airline by Mateusz Maszczynski. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Douglass salary, including a performance bonus, amounts to 530,000 little more than a university chancellor in the U.K. these days. Its becoming increasingly clear that this is actually happening, and that the airline will launch pretty soon. WebMr Douglas now faces the problem of charting a new course for the airline, which reported an annual loss of $1.87bn in 2016. cookies offers FT membership to read for free. Douglas has been with Etihad since 2018, and has been instrumental in turning around the fortunes of the airline. . Up until recently I wondered how serious the whole RIA concept was. Explaining the importance of Etihad for Abu Dhabis economic future, Douglas continued: It is an economic and employment engine for the UAE and the region. Industry executives and others said Douglas couldnt be faulted for returning to the commercial sector with Etihad, given the challenge and the likely huge salary hike associated with the Etihad post. He is not dating anyone. Will KSA allow this airline to serve alcohol? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Given the budgetary pressures over the next few years, one could question whether Douglas had the resolve and stamina to drive the reform program [at DE&S] in a tough economic climate, said Alex Ashbourne-Walmsley, a director at Ashbourne Strategic Consulting in London. As chief executive at Abu Dhabi airport, Douglas managed the early stages of the Midfield terminal project what will become Abu Dhabis brand new airport in the next few years. He is currently single. [9] The reports were neither confirmed nor denied by either Etihad or the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). He has also held senior positions with airport operator BAA. He is responding to an unexpected opportunity in the private sector, which he has decided to pursue, and I would not want to stand in his way from taking on that fresh challenge.. Based in the United Kingdom, Tony Douglas has been in the top job at Etihad since 2018. Selfishly I hope that Etihad finds someone who is an A380 fan, so that those beautiful Etihad A380s can make a comeback. What do you think about Tony Douglas' departure as CEO at Saudi Arabian startup RIA? Sophie Chatel Net Worth 2023, Age, Husband, Children, Height, Family, Parents, Salary, Mel Arnold Net Worth 2023, Age, Wife, Children, Height, Family, Parents, Salary, Gary Anandasangaree Net Worth 2023, Age, Wife, Children, Height, Family, Parents, Salary. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Since his appointment as CEO, he has managed to trim the losses by reducing total costs by $416-million to $6.9-billion. Etihads previous CEO lit billions of dollars on fire, wanting to grow the airline into a mega-carrier that competed with Emirates and Qatar Airways, while also building a global alliance of airlines (most of which have gone out of business). Etihad Cabin Crew Recruitment Step by Step Process 2021. Tony Douglas joined British Aerospace in their regional jet production facilities in 1990, became manufacturing and logistics director at Kenwood plc in 1996 and then joined BAA plc in 1998 becoming Group Supply Chain Director, then Group Technical Director, then Managing Director of Heathrow Terminal 5 and finally Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport. So it will be interesting to see how he does growing an airline from scratch, balancing costs with luxury, forming a frequent flyer program, establishing partnerships, etc. Will German purchase of Boeing Chinooks relieve pressure on US Army? Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying. It has also been rumored that another carrier will be set up in the country, namely in Neom, a planned smart city in northwestern Saudi Arabia. A number of high-profile cutbacks have drawn ire from frequent flyers in the past year. Standard Digital includes access to a wealth of global news, analysis and expert opinion. He has nearly 20 years of experience in transportation, infrastructure and government sectors. Citing industry sources, the publication reports that Douglas has already informed Etihad shareholders of his decision to leave, and that the airline has instructed consulting firm Korn Ferry to find a replacement. Reports also suggest that several other senior officials at Etihad will follow Douglas to RIA. He is one of the richest and influential businessmen in United Kingdom. As Etihad looks to develop a new strategy, it has cut ties and funding with two of its failed investments Alitalia, which is still trying to find a new investor and airberlin, which is likely to be sold in parts to Germanys Lufthansa and Britains low-cost airline, easyJet. Douglas was Saudi Arabias top pick for the position, and I imagine Saudi Arabia could make him a compelling offer, given how much money the country is willing to throw at just about everything. Check Out: Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum net worth. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Etihad Airways today announced its business results for 2021, recording a strong recovery in passenger operations along with a significant improvement in financial performance, posting a much-reduced loss of US$ 476 [2], Douglas went on to be Chief Operating Officer at Laing O'Rourke in August 2007. If you ask me, Tony Douglas has done a great job at Etihad. How renewable energy is empowering women in rural Africa? Etihad has a central role in supporting the UAEs position as a global hub of transportation, tourism, commerce, and culture.. It's a smart move by MbS, and Douglas gets the Benefit having seen the missteps of Emirates, QA, his own predecessor, in creating RIA from ground up, clean slate. Douglas has been CEO of Etihad since early 2018. We use So, how much is Tony Douglas worth at the age of 60 years old? I wouldnt want to invest in that airline, but I sure did enjoy flying with the airline. EU nations quarrel over where to buy fresh ammo for Ukraine. Media reports have put the budget over commitment at anywhere between 10 billion and 30 billion over the life of the MoDs 10-year, 178 billion equipment plan. RIA has yet to commence operations after committing to an end-of-2022 launch - the new carrier is a key part of Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' and has its eye on scores of new aircraft, including a deal for 40 Airbus A350s and options for 40 more through sister airline SAUDIA. Now, let me be clear I far preferred the 2014 Etihad that flew A380s, had The Residence, and spent millions of dollars to have Nicole Kidman in ads. Earlier, the airlines CEO Tony Douglas had said on Twitter that it will survive the impact of the pandemic. Learn how your comment data is processed. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Gammell took on the role when longtime CEO, James Hogan was unceremoniously ousted by Etihads leaders. If you do nothing, you will be auto-enrolled in our premium digital monthly subscription plan and retain complete access for $69 per month. Having led the airline through the pandemic - aviation's worst crisis in history - Douglas has now seen the carrier posting its first half-year profit in a very long time. During its initial launch, RIA will focus on establishing itself regionally with a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320 aircraft, before a later expansion of its international network and long-haul fleet. 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Most (but not all) senior executives in the region are otherwise (realistically) too old to start up this airline, or have too many national ties to a country to work in Saudi Arabia. For the carrier's once-daily service to Dublin, you're much more likely to see the Boeing 787-10. Published Sep 23, 2022. Do you see the airline becoming a major player on the global scene in the coming years? Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based UAE airline, previously had announced plans to suspend all flights to and from the capital for two weeks. Photo: Airbus. See more about our ethics policies here. Douglas left his role as CEO at Etihad after over four years at the helm and is credited with implementing successful cost-cutting strategies to reduce the airline's huge losses. Any changes made can be done at any time and will become effective at the end of the trial period, allowing you to retain full access for 4 weeks, even if you downgrade or cancel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Check if your His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Its not surprising to see that he accepted the Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Money Minute, What's next for experimental AI projects in the C4ISR sphere. As first reported by Arabian Business, the experienced airline chief has left his new position as CEO of RIA after around two months. However, now it seems that Etihad Airways is forced to temporarily cut the basic salaries of all staff and executives to between 25 percent and 50 percent to sustain business and cope with the pandemic. Douglas will leave a lasting legacy at Etihad. Shutterstock. It also wants to bring some 300 million tourists to the country per year - an increase of around six times from 2019's tourism numbers. organisation Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 60 years old? He became Chief Executive of Defence Equipment and Support in September 2015. With an initial launch date of 2024 first pushed back to Q4 2022 and subsequently delayed, RIA will operate out of Riyadh, while current national airline SAUDIA is based out of Jeddah. university Tony Douglass salary per month with other career earnings is over $1 million dollars annually. Compare pay for popular Etihad appears to be in the market for a new airline CEO, as reports suggest current boss Tony Douglas is leaving the airline. He continued: He is also deeply knowledgeable about commercial aviation and keenly familiar with Etihads challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing industry.. The nation recently announced the establishment of a leasing firm it calls AviLease, as well as a third airline to serve the planned mega city of Neom. It is further noted that other Etihad senior executives could be tempted to leave alongside Douglas. Also, it will face a negative impact on business operations. How that strategy will be developed have not yet been announced. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. Report: Saudi Arabias RIA Poaches Etihad CEO Tony Douglas, Saudi Arabia is planning on launching a new mega-airline, NEOM Airlines: An Outlandish New Saudi Airline, Report: Tony Douglas Departs Saudi Arabias RIA After Two Months, Saudi Arabia Building New Mega-Airport In Riyadh, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. RIA is a low comission money transferer operating already ib 160 countries. The Saudi PIF will invest at least $30 billion into the airline out of the total $100 billion to be invested indeveloping the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia, per the Saudi Vision 2030. For cost savings, you can change your plan at any time online in the Settings & Account section. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. WebMr Douglas, who took the helm at Etihad Aviation Group since January 2018, has decided to pursue an opportunity elsewhere, Abu Dhabi's ADQ said in a statement on Wednesday. Apart from a rumored order of 40 Airbus A350s in October 2022, details of the airline are scarce. Discover Tony Douglas's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. The outlet said that at least three senior aviation figures have been approached by a head-hunting firm, although no specific names were mentioned and no employment contracts have been offered. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. The new chief executive doesnt have any prior experience working at an airline but does come with years of experience in the aviation industry. He has been the CEO of Etihad Airways since January 2018. previously, he served as chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (20132015), and as chief executive of Defence Equipment and Support department in the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (20152017). Copyright 2023 paddleyourownkanoo.com All Rights Reserved. Boeing needs to get ALL OVER THIS, like yesterday. Would be a big win to nab a future giant customer, would also help our trade imbalance with SA, and would help smooth over political tensions. I am personally very grateful for the help and support Tony has provided to me personally. or Abu Dhabis Midfield Terminal was built under Tony Douglas watch, and we have seen what came out of that. If Douglas is indeed planning to leave Etihad for RIA, his influence on the airline will stay for many years to come. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Industry sources say Douglas who has been in charge of Etihad since January 2018 is RIAs top choice. Thats the first thing I thought about when I saw this new airlines name. I had thought the CEO of AeroFlot would have been calling MbS non-stop to give him a compelling reason to flee VLAD without being pushed out a window. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Etihad During your trial you will have complete digital access to FT.com with everything in both of our Standard Digital and Premium Digital packages. The airline reported full-year results for 2020 on March 4. The story was reported by Arabian Business, citing sources close to the matter. 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He had previously been the CEO for the Abu Dhabi Ports company. However, the CEO says he will stay on at the Abu Dhabi carrier until a suitable replacement can be found. As Etihad goes through its own massive reform programme, airline bosses will be hoping Douglas is the man to make it happen. Photo: Getty Images. His first-ever airline job was at Etihad, and his job was to shrink the airline to profitability. Always keeping an ear close to the ground, Matt's industry insights, analysis and news coverage is frequently relied upon by some of the biggest names in journalism. His primary source of income is from his working career as a Business executive. In all, Saudi Arabia plans to invest some $100 billion into aviation, some of which will be swallowed up by these new airlines, while money will also be spent on improving facilities such as air traffic control, and investing in new technologies such as eVTOLs. We are delighted to have Tony return to Abu Dhabi to lead Etihad, commented His Excellency AlMazrouei, the chairman of Etihad Aviation Group. Is America postured for a fight in the Indo-Pacific? Defence Secretary Michael Fallon expressed gratitude for Douglas. Douglas has worked to undo all of that, and shrink the airline to profitability. Read about Tony Douglas net worth, age, wife, children, height, family, parents, Etihad Airways, salary, businesses, assets as well as other information you need to know. Douglas joined British Aerospace in their regional jet production facilities in 1990, became manufacturing and logistics director at Kenwood plc in 1996 and then joined BAA plc in 1998 becoming Group Supply Chain Director, then Group Technical Director, then Managing Director of Heathrow Terminal 5 and finally Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport. 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Would a dynamic, luxurious airline wish to be associated with one like that? Douglas went on to be Chief Operating Officer at Laing ORourke in August 2007. It is being formed as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 tourism plan, which aims to increase the number of air routes connecting the country from the current 100 or so up to about 250. Douglas pointed out that the situation is currently difficult. Douglas will be taking over from Ray Gammell, Etihads head of Human Resources who has been in the role of interim Group chief executive since May. If youd like to retain your premium access and save 20%, you can opt to pay annually at the end of the trial. Etihad Airways turned profitable in the first quarter, according to chief executive officer Tony Douglas, who said its possible the Gulf carrier can post positive Etihad Airways Cabin Crew Salary and Benefits 2020. A visit from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who met His Excellency Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei - Chairman Etihad Aviation Group, Group CEO Tony Douglas and our Etihad pilots. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. He joined British Aerospace in their regional jet production facilities in 1990, became manufacturing and logistics director at Kenwood plc in 1996 and then joined BAA plc in 1998 becoming Group Supply Chain Director, then Group Technical Director, then Managing Director of Heathrow Terminal 5 and finally Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport. Douglas joined RIA in September 2022. Canadian government says it gave striking union 'final offer', #oilprice drops as economic growth concerns offset #, Etihad Airways cuts staff and executives salaries up to 50%, Africa uses mobile money to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Singapore Airlines raises S$19 bn to survive the coronavirus crisis. "Etihads previous CEO lit billions of dollars on fire, wanting to grow the airline into a mega-carrier that competed with Emirates and Qatar Airways". Tony Douglas, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Riyadh International Airlines (RIA) and the former CEO of Etihad Airways, has reportedly parted ways with RIA after just a few months into the position. The publicly-backed startup is expected to launch operations within the next few months and will now be searching for a new CEO. Hogan pioneered the failed bid to turn Etihad into the worlds fourth airline alliance, buying minority stakes in a number of underperforming airlines around the world. Watch the full interview with Etihad Group CEO Tony Douglas here: Interview with Etihad Group CEO Tony Douglas Want More Analysis Like This? WebGroup CEO Tony Douglas shares an update on Etihad's continuing efforts: We are going to go absolutely out of our way to make sure that we can reassure you.. | 82 comments on LinkedIn Tony Douglas, group CEO of Etihad airways. He has done a great job with controlling costs, and making some difficult decisions. As mentioned above, Etihad has gone from a CEO who lit money on fire, to one who ran the airline in a very disciplined way. It made him the best-paid government employee in the UK with a salary that was double the amount the Prime Minister earns. We recently learned about how Saudi Arabia is planning on launching a new mega-airline, which may be named RIA. The country is looking to invest $30 billion in the airline, and essentially create an airline the size of Emirates, only much faster.