Emirates has appointed Orhan Abbas as the new Senior Vice President to lead its commercial operations in the Far East. Abbas took up the role earlier this month, when Emirates announced key appointments and rotations in its global commercial operations as part of its continued focus on better serving its customers across its global network and maintaining a competitive edge in the different regions.

In his new role, Orhan will lead growth efforts across Southeast and East Asia, which spans 13 countries including China, in addition to Japan and Singapore. Prior to this new position, Orhan was Emirates' Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa.

Orhan joined Emirates as a management trainee in 1998, and has grown his career with the Commercial team over the past 21 years, holding various senior positions in Tanzania, Iran, South Africa, the Middle East, India and Nepal before securing senior vice president roles overseeing important growth regions such as the Americas and most recently Africa.

"The potential for growth within the Far East region looks very promising, a fact underpinned by the growing disposable income and middle class population that includes young, tech-savvy consumers who are eager to travel. As travel continues to increase at a significant rate in this region, we recognise the prospects this part of the world presents and I look forward to broadening our business and expanding our commercial footprint in these markets," said Orhan.