Etihad Airways Appoints Captain Khalid Al Ali as Senior VP Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced the appointment of Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali as Senior Vice President Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs.

Date:
17 February 2026

Appointment:
Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali has been named Senior Vice President Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs at Etihad Airways.

Reporting Line:
He will report to Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer.

Background:
- Previously served as Senior Director of the Air Transport Department at the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (2013–2025).
- Led national air transport strategy, bilateral/multilateral air services negotiations, and policy advisory for the UAE Federal Government.

Experience:
- Over 40 years in aviation with a blend of operational flying and regulatory/diplomatic expertise.
- Holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with more than 12,000 flying hours.
- Served in multiple leadership roles across aviation.

New Role at Etihad:
- Will oversee government affairs strategy.
- Manage relationships with aviation authorities and government stakeholders worldwide.
- Lead Etihad’s aeropolitical agenda to support network expansion and route development.

Academic & Legal Credentials:
- Bachelor’s degrees in Aviation Science and Law.
- Diplomas in Judicial Expertise, Arbitration, and International Relations.
- Recognized aviation legal expert in UAE courts, having contributed to resolving 50+ aviation-related cases.

This appointment strengthens Etihad’s ability to navigate complex international aviation policies and expand its global network.