Robert Strodel, former CEO of Etihad, dies aged 55

Tributes from across the aviation world have been pouring in for the likeable Austrian who was credited for having set Etihad Crystal Cargo on the path to the success it is enjoying today.

His time as country head for Lufthansa in India and his long affection with the Gulf where he worked in consulting and the airlines made him a well known character.

Saleh Al Aroud, Chairman Rus Aviation, said: “Robert was our respected friend and colleague, whom we all knew as a nice, generous and frank man, gifted with a great heart and good sense of humour.
“His death is a great and irretrievable loss for all who knew him. This good man will be always remembered by his friends and colleagues and remain in our hearts for all times.”

Strodel, was a cargo specialist, and had a 33-year career with Lufthansa leaving the Indian cargo subsidiary in 2001 to set up his own consultancy before joining the fledgling Etihad as head of cargo in April 2004, He was promoted to become the passenger airline's first chief executive in July 2005, leaving in May the following year.

James Hogan, Etihad’s current CEO said: “Robert’s contribution to our business in its start-up phase will be remembered by those who worked alongside him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s family