Emirates announces key appointments for Lanka and Male operations

Emirates has announced the appointment of Rashid Al Ardha as the new Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, with effect from 1 August. Rashid will take on the role previously held by Chandana de Silva, who will assume new responsibilities as the airline’s Manager Government Liaison – Sri Lanka and Maldives.

In his new post, Rashid will be responsible for supporting Emirates’ commercial objectives, overseeing the airline’s operations across the two island nations as well as maintaining crucial relations with various stakeholders. He is currently the Country Manager of Singapore and Brunei, a role he has held since 2019, and will continue to report to Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – West Asia and Indian Ocean Ahmed Khoory.

Chandana de Silva, who has served Emirates since 2008 has played a key role in leading the airline’s operations, driving growth and strengthening Emirates’ footprint in the country over the past 15 years. His wealth of experience gained over his career in the two countries’ aviation industries will be leveraged to facilitate the further growth of Emirates’ operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

SVP of Commercial Operations-West Asia and Indian Ocean Ahmed Khoory, said: “I would like to wish De Silva success in this new and important role where he will dedicate his efforts to nurturing long-standing relationships with government stakeholders and authorities and pivot his invaluable experience gained over an illustrious career with us.”

“Rashid’s experience in various markets will bring a new perspective to how we serve customers and overcome unique challenges faced by the industry,” continued Khoory.

Emirates launched its services to Sri Lanka in 1986 and since then has carried more than 11 million passengers on the route. Emirates commenced operations to Male in May 1987 and now operates 28 flights a week between Dubai and the Maldives.