Etihad’s Tony Douglas agrees to join new Saudi airline RIA

Douglas – who has been in charge of the UAE national carrier since 2018 – could take the helm later this year. It is also believed that other senior Etihad executives may follow him.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is pumping at least $30bn into creating a second national carrier, with RIA expected to compete on global routes with Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways. The initial launch phase however is likely to focus on regional routes, using Airbus A320s and Boeing 737Max planes.

Sources say that global consulting firm Korn Ferry has begun the process of finding a replacement. Douglas, it is understood, has informed Etihad’s shareholders of his decision, but agreed to stay on until a replacement is found. Other senior Etihad executives are also being considered for positions at RIA and could follow Douglas.

An Etihad spokesperson said: “Etihad doesn’t comment on rumour or speculation.”

The Saudi PIF did not respond to requests for comment.

Prior to joining Etihad, Douglas served as CEO of the Defence Equipment and Support department at the UK’s Ministry of Defence. During his role, Douglas was responsible for procuring and supporting all the equipment and services for the British Armed Forces, while managing a budget of $20 billion per year.

Etihad was not Douglas’ first role in the UAE, with the airline chief previously serving as the CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Abu Dhabi Ports Company. During this role, Douglas was responsible for the successful delivery of Khalifa Port – Abu Dhabi’s flagship deepwater port that handles all of the emirate’s container traffic.

Prior to Abu Dhabi Airports, Douglas held senior positions in the UK as Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Executive designate of Laing O’Rourke at British Airports Authority (BAA). His roles under BAA included Managing Director of Heathrow Terminal 5 project, Group Supply Chain Director, Group Technical Director, and CEO of Heathrow Airport.