Etihad appoints new head of public affairs in Europe

Etihad Airways has announced the appointment of Philippe Eydaleine, a seasoned public affairs leader with more than three decades of experience, as Head of Public Affairs in Europe.
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Eydaleine will work and engage with key EU institutions and European states, policymakers and stakeholders, to build understanding of Etihad Airways and the benefits it brings to Europe in terms of jobs, investment and connectivity.

Based in Etihad Airways’ office in Brussels, he will work closely with the airline’s regional management in Berlin, reporting to Vice President of International and Public Affairs, Vijay Poonoosamy.

Poonoosamy said: “Philippe is a well-respected and proven public affairs leader and his extensive experience and knowledge made him the ideal choice for this role as we continue to work with the EU to advance policy solutions that enhance the competitiveness of European aviation, connectivity and customer choice.

“Etihad Airways is not only an important competitor in Europe but also an investor, purchaser, employer and supporter of European competitiveness and the European travel, tourism and manufacturing industries.” 

Research conducted by Oxford Economics shows that Etihad Airways’ core operations and capital spending in 2015 alone will support over 51,200 European jobs and contribute €3.3 billion to the EU’s GDP. The report also shows that Etihad Airways will contribute €1.7 billion to EU GDP in connectivity improvements in 2015.

Eydaleine joins Etihad Airways having recently held the position of Policy Adviser on EU Public Affairs for the French Civil Aviation Authority. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles at Air France, including Permanent Representative in Brussels, and worked in senior positions at Air Transportation Institute, Air Inter and also served as Civil Aviation Adviser at the French State Secretariat for Transport.

Eydaleine said: “I’m honoured to be appointed to this key role in Europe. As Etihad Airways continues to build awareness and understanding within the EU about its many contributions to European economic growth and to EU jobs, my role will be critical in further strengthening the airline’s presence and partnerships within the aviation and business sectors.”