Etihad Airways appoints new general manager for China

Li will lead the development of Etihad Airway’s commercial strategy and represent the Abu Dhabi based airline in China. He will be responsible for further strengthening Etihad Airways’ partnerships with travel trade partners and corporate customers. 

With an extensive amount of experience in Commercial aviation, Li has over 20 years of experience in senior commercial management roles for Air New Zealand and China Eastern Airlines. 

Etihad Airways’ senior vice president global sales, Danny Barranger, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the China leadership team at an exciting time for the airline when we are seeing tremendous growth in the region.” 

“China is, and will continue to be one of the most important markets for Etihad Airways globally. The airlines’ unique geographic position serves as a significant hub in the global aviation network, and allows Abu Dhabi to closely link China with the GCC region, Middle East, Europe, Africa and South America.” 

“Furthermore, Etihad Airways’ innovative and award-winning products and service will help to meet Chinese travellers’ increasing expectations for greater comfort, higher standards, more choice and better convenience. Etihad Airways’ codeshare flights with China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines provide Chinese consumers with more destinations to choose from, a more flexible flight timetable and frequent flyer programmes. Peter’s wealth of knowledge and experience will be instrumental in further expanding Etihad Airways’ presence in the China market.” 

“The airline business in China has never been more dynamic, along with its strong growth in outbound tourism. But the competition is fierce,” said Peter. “I am delighted to take up this role at what is a truly exciting time for Etihad Airways. It will be a great honour to lead our experienced local team and to work closely with our partner airlines and the industry to continue to grow the airline’s business in this key market for Etihad Airways and to offer a best-in-class travel experience to more business and leisure travellers to a growing number of guests.” 

The role of general manager for China reports to Etihad Airways’ vice president for Asia Pacific South and Australia, Lindsay White.