Etihad Airways’ chief operating officer Mohammed Al Bulooki has stepped down from his role, as confirmed by an internal memo sent by CEO Antonoaldo Neves. John Wright will serve as interim COO and guest officer while the airline conducts a global talent search. Al Bulooki had been with the company since 2015 and played a significant role in its growth and development, particularly during the pandemic and transition to Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal A.
Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, where Al Bulooki was involved in the transition, has significantly increased the airport’s capacity for commercial aviation. With the ability to process up to 45 million travelers annually, the terminal is triple the size of previous facilities, capable of handling 79 planes simultaneously and 11,000 passengers per hour. Al Bulooki’s expertise has been instrumental in managing the operations of the terminal and navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Despite his departure, Mohammad Al Bulooki’s contributions to Etihad Airways have been invaluable since he joined the company as an executive vice president in 2015. By 2018, he had risen to the position of COO and guest officer. His decision to step down from his role at Etihad is described as pursuing new challenges, marking the end of a long and storied career at the airline. Al Bulooki’s leadership has been crucial for Etihad’s success and growth over the years.
Etihad Airways is currently conducting a global talent search for a permanent replacement for Al Bulooki. In the meantime, John Wright, who has been with the carrier since 2013 as the VP of network, airports, and cargo operations, will fulfill the role on an interim basis. Wright’s experience and expertise in various operational areas of the airline make him a suitable candidate to lead the team during this transitional period. The airline is confident in Wright’s ability to manage the operations effectively until a permanent COO is appointed.
Neves emphasized Al Bulooki’s integral role in Etihad’s journey since its inception in 2003, highlighting his contributions to the company’s growth and development within the Abu Dhabi aviation ecosystem. Al Bulooki has been a key figure in the airline’s success, from being part of the inaugural Etihad flight to managing crucial aspects of its operations. His departure marks the end of an era at Etihad Airways, but the airline is optimistic about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead with a new leadership team in place.
The news of Mohammed Al Bulooki stepping down as COO of Etihad Airways marks a significant change in the airline’s leadership team. However, the company remains focused on its growth and expansion plans, as indicated by CEO Antonoaldo Neves in the internal memo to staff. The transition period with John Wright as the interim COO provides an opportunity for the airline to assess its leadership needs and find a suitable permanent replacement for Al Bulooki. Etihad Airways is committed to maintaining its position as a key player in the aviation industry with a strong leadership team in place to drive its future success.
