Etihad Airways, announced the appointment of Juan Torres as general manager for the Philippines, replacing John Rees Evans.

Rees Evans will be relocating to Nepal responsible for heading the airline’s commercial programs and team. 

It is Torres' second posting to the Republic of the Philippines with Etihad Airways; he was the airline’s General Manager, based in Manila, from October 2006 to March 2010.

Peter Baumgartner Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer said: “Juan is one of the most experienced airline executives in our global commercial team and it’s with pleasure that we welcome him back to the Philippines.

“Much has changed for Etihad Airways and its relationship with the Philippines since Juan helped launch our services to Manila in 2006. Back then we operated a schedule of four weekly A330-200 flights; today, we serve the Philippines capital with two flights a day and a larger-capacity Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

“The experience Juan has gained in Japan and Brazil will be a great asset to the airline as it continues to drive its commercial and brand building programs in the Philippines.” 

Juan Torres starts his new role on March 3, 2014, relocating from São Paulo where he has been Etihad Airways’ area general manager for South America and Brazil since June 2012. Prior to his posting to Brazil, Juan spent two years in Tokyo as Etihad Airways’ general manager for Japan and played a key role in the launch of Etihad Airways’ services to Tokyo (Narita) and Nagoya.

Before joining Etihad Airways, Juan Torres was with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines where he held a number of key senior management positions in different markets around the world.

Etihad Airways commenced services to the Philippines in February 2006. The airline currently operates 14 services a week to Manila with a two-class Boeing B777 aircraft.