Etihad Aviation Group’s global head, Tony Douglas, has first dose of Covid-19 vaccine

The airline’s chief executive says he hopes to see a recovery in travel demand as immunisation is expanded

Etihad Aviation Group’s global chief executive, Tony Douglas, received the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine on Tuesday. Etihad

Etihad Aviation Group’s global chief executive, Tony Douglas, received the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine on Tuesday at the airline’s medical centre.

Mr Douglas joins several senior officials in the UAE who have taken the shot.

“As we say goodbye to 2020, I wanted to start the new year by demonstrating my own confidence in Abu Dhabi’s National Vaccination Programme,” he said.

“While it offers the obvious benefit of being safeguarded against Covid-19, this is my way of contributing to a safer workplace and safer Abu Dhabi community.”

Mr Douglas said he hoped to see a recovery in travel demand as vaccines become available in several countries.

“From an aviation perspective, as borders continue to open up, we hope that through increased vaccination rates, people will feel more confident travelling not only for business and leisure but, more importantly, to reconnect with their loved ones around the world.”

The airline offers the vaccine free of charge to all its employees and their dependents who are over 18 years.

UAE leaders and senior officials who have received the Covid-19 vaccine - in pictures