Sky High Success
In this exclusive interview, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, discusses the strategic expansion of the airline with the new Abu Dhabi-Bali route. With an emphasis on the airline’s award-winning service and future growth, he highlights the essential elements of passion and teamwork in achieving success in the aviation industry.
Q: As the Chief of Revenue for one of the biggest airline companies in the world, what does this role entail?
A: This is a cool role. So, my team and I decide everything, from what aircraft we buy, where we fly them, at what time, how much we charge and how we sell the tickets, as well as anything pertaining to the website, the marketing, brand, sponsorship and our loyalty programme. It’s a lot of stuff coming together.
Q: Etihad Airways is spreading its wings to Indonesia, especially with the new Abu Dhabi to Bali link. How did this idea come about?
A: We like to listen to our guests, and we like to listen to the market of where people want to fly. As you know, Bali has been a route that our guests have demanded for a long time. We’ve been flying to Indonesia for more than 15 years, flying to Jakarta twice a day. And so, when we saw an opportunity to open Bali, it was a no brainer for us. And I’m very excited about it because today was the first flight and it was 100 percent full. So, there is no greater reward for the hard work than to see the plane being full.
Q: Is there any programme in the pipeline to boost the Abu Dhabi-Bali link even further?
A: Absolutely. We have a significant amount of aircraft on order. Today, we have 92 aircraft, and in the next five to six years, we’re going to go from 92 aircraft to 170 aircraft, so it’s an amazing amount of growth. So as these aircraft come, Bali is on the top of the list to get more flights. Today, it’s four flights a week, but the ambition for us is to have a daily flight to Bali, within the next nine months.
Q: How big of an impact is Southeast Asian market to the aviation industry?
A: I think it has a huge impact. The growth of Southeast Asia is significant, and the growth in travel is driven by economic growth. And I don’t have to tell you how strong the Indonesian economy has been over the last few years. And as that grows, so do the travel aspirations of people here.
Q: In your own words, what sets Etihad Airways apart from its counterparts?
A: Our award-winning service and award-winning people. We’ve won the best airline in the world for many years in a row and our cabin crew are frequently recognised with awards. When you have the right people, it really makes the extra difference. We have brand new planes with Business Studios with fully flat beds, fast Wi-Fi access – which is even free for messaging, as well as top-of-the-line in-flight entertainment. However, I think what goes above and beyond that extra mile is the people who are committed to the company and to our guest.
Q: How do you see the air travel industry in the future? Is there any hope that you would like to come to fruition?
A: I have a lot of hopes for the air travel industry, because it is an industry that is able to truly connect and build bridges. You know, we live in a world that is increasingly becoming fragmented, we think of the differences amongst us. And world, the only way we actually realise that we’re all the same with unique cultures, is by being able to connect with each other. I don’t think there’s any better way of doing that, but air travel. The future of air travel is people seeking more authentic experiences. And we want to be part of that journey.
Q: Last but not least, what is the key to having a successful career in the aviation industry?
A: I would say two things. I think you need to love what you’re doing, and it’s not just an aviation thing – I think that’s true for any industry. If you don’t wake up every day feeling that you love what you do, you’re not going to be successful. The second thing is from very early on, you need to be able to recognise that you can’t do it by yourself. You need a team and the moment you realise that, everything becomes easy, because then you go and look for the right people. Those right people not only make the company better, but they also make you successful because it becomes a joint effort versus an individual effort.
Asia Dreams Volume 52
Etihad Airways
W: etihad.com
IG: @etihad
