Etihad appoints Luisa Pastrello as new general manager for Australia and New Zealand

Ms Pastrello is an airline and travel industry executive with extensive experience in the Australian and international arena. Her career includes a number of senior management positions at the Qantas Group and American Express International and a three-year term as advisory board member for Tourism New South Wales.

Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, Peter Baumgartner, said Luisa would bring valuable industry experience and leadership to the airline’s Australasian operations: "The Australasian market is one of the most significant and diverse in the Etihad Airways network and is strategically important.

“With an impressive track record in sales and marketing management as well as customer acquisition and retention strategy, Luisa’s appointment as general manager combines all the key ingredients for our success as an airline of choice for the consumer and our industry partners. It will add impetus to our drive for a bigger share of the consumer’s mind and the outbound travel market in the region.”

Luisa said: "I am delighted to be joining Etihad Airways at this point in its rapid growth trajectory.

“I am especially looking forward to working with my colleagues and our industry partners in Australia and New Zealand to grow the business in mutually beneficial ways.”

Luisa takes up the new appointment from 21 May, reporting to Regional General Manager Asia Pacific South and Australasia, Lindsay White.