Name: James Hogan
Title: President and CEO
Company, city: Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi
Number of employees: 14,500
Recent project: Launch of daily service to Washington, D.C.
First job: Sales and service agent at Melbourne Airport
Little-known fact about you: I played Australian rules football.
James Hogan’s Business
Essential business philosophy: Never give up.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Relentless attention to detail.
Yardstick of success: Delivering on the mandate agreed with our shareholders: operate a safe airline, be best in class, achieve profitability and support economic development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
James Hogan as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? My laptop and BlackBerry, with spare batteries, so I can stay in constant contact with colleagues and partners around the world. I spend a great deal of time in the air, and thanks to Etihad’s onboard WiFi, I can continue working while flying.
How do you spend your time on board? It depends on the length of the flight. Besides resting, I use the quiet time to read and work, and I value the chance to speak with crew members to hear their perspectives. If time allows, I’ll watch a classic film from the in-flight entertainment selection.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? The Fat Duck, Bray, U.K.
What is your favorite destination in the world? New York.
About Etihad Airways
What can North American travelers expect from Etihad Airways? We aim to be the best airline in the world. To do that, we look beyond industry norms to innovate and craft a distinctive guest experience both in the air and on the ground.
Our brand is inspired by a wide range of excellence, drawing on standards found in fine dining and five-star hotels to shape a memorable travel experience. We’ve reintroduced traditional style and genuine hospitality to air travel, referring to our passengers as guests. That mindset changes how every interaction is handled. With cabin crew representing more than 125 nationalities, our hospitality reflects a regional culture where welcoming and attentive service is central to daily life. Whether at check-in, in one of our lounges or aboard our modern aircraft, guests encounter thoughtful, contemporary Arabian hospitality.
The industry and customers have recognized our efforts: Etihad Airways has been named the World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for multiple consecutive years.
What makes Etihad Airways’ premium-class cabins unique? We’ve invested significantly in cabin design to ensure outstanding comfort and style. Yet what truly sets us apart is service. Many airlines offer similar products, but the warmth and attentiveness of our team is distinctive. It’s the service our guests remember most.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role as CEO? Airlines operate around the clock in a complex, fast-moving global environment. The role demands swift decision-making, responsiveness and flexibility. My ongoing challenge is to balance the tough commercial decisions required to run the business with a duty of care to our 14,500 staff and to the passengers who depend on us for safe travel.