Etihad Aviation Group has announced the appointment of Antonoaldo Neves as group CEO to succeed Tony Douglas, who is stepping down to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.

In a statement, Etihad noted that Douglas will continue to serve as an advisor to the Board of ADQ, an Abud Dhabi-based investment and holding company — also a sister company of Etihad —  during the transition period in support of the country's wider ambitions in the sector.

Neves previously served as CEO and board member of TAP Air Portugal from 2017 to 2020 and prior to TAP, he served as president of Azul Airlines in Brazil.

He was also also a partner at McKinsey and Company, where he developed the long-term plan for the aviation sector development in Brazil.

His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, expressed confidence in Neves after citing how Douglas led Etihad through some of its most challenging times and has successfully turned the airline into a profitable and sustainable business over the past five years.

"As we're entering our next phase of sustainable growth, we are confident that Antonoaldo will build on Tony's legacy. We thank Tony for all the hard work he has delivered. Etihad will continue to serve Abu Dhabi as the national airline of the UAE," the Etihad chairman added.

Douglas, former Etihad Aviation Group CEO, remarked that Etihad is on a "sustainable path" for the future.

I am appreciative of all the support provided by my Etihad colleagues and looking forward to further supporting the evolution of the wider Abu Dhabi aviation ecosystem," he added.

Douglas has served as Group CEO since January 2018 were he spearheaded and led the airline's ambitious turnaround, as part of its initial transformation plan, by optimizing costs, streamlining processes and its travel network, successfully positioning Etihad for its next phase of sustainable growth.

The airline entered 2022 with a record breaking first-half operating profit of US$296 million.