John Friel, a seasoned aviation executive, is the Regional Director for Qatar Airways. His career spans over two decades in the aviation and travel industries, during which he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing commercial operations across multiple regions.
Previously, Friel served as Country Manager for Travelstart in South Africa, a leading online travel agency. Prior to that, he held notable roles at Etihad Airways, where he was General Manager for South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, he was responsible for overseeing commercial operations and driving business growth in the region. Friel joined Etihad in 2014 as a Regional Business Development Manager for Africa, showcasing his ability to expand airline market presence.
Born in Scotland, Friel has lived in South Africa since 2002, fostering strong connections within the aviation and tourism industries. His extensive experience includes collaboration with international airlines and tourism partners, underscoring his strategic expertise and deep industry knowledge
Sessions
March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
5.00PM – 5.30PM:
Flying High In The Next Generation
From improving connectivity to modernising their retailing, the airline industry is facing changes on several fronts. How are the different players rising to the challenge, and what are their plans to capture the opportunities in this continent, with different distribution, marketing and commercial strategies?
Speakers:
Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways
John Friel, Regional Director, Qatar Airways