Etihad Airways has appointed Des Vertannes as its new executive vice president cargo.

Mr Vertannes joins Etihad's Crystal Cargo division from Gulf Air where he was head of cargo, and brings nearly 40 years of aviation industry experience with him.

Mr Vertannes said: "It is a privilege to be joining Etihad at such an exciting time in the airline's history. Crystal Cargo has grown considerably since being created in 2004, and I am relishing the opportunity of working with its talented team and expanding the division further."

Prior to joining at Gulf Air, Mr Vertannes held the position of chief executive at the UK-based Air Menzies International, as well as being managing director of Menzies Cargo World.

He began his career with British Airways in 1970 where he was the cargo manager for the Gulf and Saudi Arabia and cargo sales manager for the UK. During the 1990's he worked for Air Canada where he was the general manager cargo for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

James Hogan, Etihad's chief executive added: "It is to welcome Des to Etihad and I look forward to working closely with him in his new role. He has a wealth of experience in the cargo industry which will be crucial in the development of Etihad Crystal Cargo."