May 19, 2017 TnH Global

Most Outstanding Airline Person of the Year Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates

Q. How do you feel about being honoured with the ‘Most Outstanding Airline Person of the Year’ award by TnH magazine at its Travel & Hospitality Awards 2016?

I humbly accept the ‘Most Outstanding Airline Person of the Year’ award bestowed upon me by TnH magazine. This is the result of not an individual effort but of course amazing team members who are the pillars behind every achievement and award we receive. I believe this award is testament to our dedication and commitment to the Indian market.

Q. What motivated you to achieve such an outstanding position in the airline industry?

I think my motivation stems from the fact that I share the same enthusiasm and vision as Emirates. We are always in pursuit of excellence when it comes to delivering the best experience possible to our customers, both on-ground and on-board. Also, looking at how important the Indian market is and the amount of players that are here, it always keeps you at the edge of trying to perform even better and trying to sustain that brand. I think that was the motivation – to keep on pushing, innovating and trying to get things done to maintain the leading standard of service and hospitality.

Q. What will you describe as the most important achievement of your career?

It is a great honour to be present in the 3rd largest aviation market in the world, and witness it evolve into an exciting phase with the help of liberalized policies like the new national civil aviation policy which was released last year. For me to represent Emirates in a market where it was first launched also bears immense pride and a huge responsibility to see through. Since its launch in 1985, Emirates’ presence in India has been defined by progressive investment, partnership and growth and I am sure it will continue to make the same progress in the coming years.

Q. What do you find most fascinating in this industry?

The airline industry is a very dynamic sector. There is change every single day; you never get the same problem twice, you never have the same solution twice. Compared to yesterday, things have evolved a lot. People have become more tech-savvy and more empowered with knowledge. They look at websites, do their own research and read reviews about products and services. Sometimes, they will come to see us and discuss our own products, certain aircraft registration, or share their opinion about which aircraft they think is better, which model of B777 is better, which A380 is newer than the rest, etc. Also, we are in a market that is so dynamic that any change affects it. For anything that happens around the world, the first thing that gets affected is usually travel. Hence, one has to be always informed and one-step ahead.

Q. What advice would you give to young airline professionals who desire success in this industry?

The key to becoming a successful airline professional is having a solid foundation. Young professionals should read as much as they can about the industry. They should have thorough knowledge of not just their company but also about their competition. People are more adventurous now, and the world has actually become a global village where people keep traveling from one place to another. It is important to understand and learn about demographics and geographies where you think that you can influence change. One should be honest, push oneself as much as possible, have a solid foundation, and the rest will follow.

“I humbly accept the ‘Most Outstanding Airline Person of the Year’ award bestowed upon me by TNH. I believe this award is testament to our dedication and commitment to the Indian market.”