Adel Ahmad Al Redha has been key member of the Emirates airline operations team for two decades, joining as an engineer just three years after the company launched.
Mr Al Redha, a UAE National, now oversees several major departments, including Flight Operations, Engineering and Aircraft Procurement.
The introduction of the Maintenance Flight Training Device to the Airbus A380 flight training programme, providing crew a better means to understand aircraft systems and making more efficient use of simulators, is among the key measures he has implemented.
In his current role overseeing Flight Operations, Mr Al Redha has enhanced the cadet training programme and significantly increased the number of Emirati cadet pilots, setting up a base in line with the company's expansion plans for the future.
Having overall responsibility for Engineering, Flight Operations, Network Operations and Flight Training, Mr Al Redha has managed to introduce seamless processes that enhance working relationships, increase efficiency and promote integration among the group.
Mr Al Redha also closely monitors Network Operations and manages a fully integrated state-of-the-art Network Control Centre which overseas operations 24/7 and ensures safety and efficiency is maintained at all times.
He also directed the introduction of paperless cockpit within Emirates and introduced Electronic Flight Bags on Emirates airline’s Boeing 777-300ERs, which reduced the workload of pilots and allowed many onboard documents to be removed.
Prior to becoming Executive Vice President – Engineering & Operations, he was Director of Engineering since November 2002 and Head of Engineering since May 2000.
During this time he set up a state-of-the-art maintenance facility and expanded Emirates Engineering’s capabilities and functions to include all checks of Emirates aircraft.
In addition, he built an engine module repair facility, leading to a significant reduction in maintenance costs. The introduction of the engine test cell has not only cut costs but has also shortened the turnaround time of the repairs, reducing the overall engine inventory.
Mr Al Redha has also introduced an engineering training programme for UAE Nationals, initiated the use of IT in aircraft maintenance and oversaw the introduction of live aircraft monitoring.
In his previous post as head of the Procurement & Logistics department, which he held up until 1999, Mr Al Redha led the aircraft and engine evaluation and selection team, the latest acquisition being the A380, achieving substantial savings for the organisation.
In this role, he has managed to secure various maintenance cost agreements on a range of aircraft equipment, leading to controlled expenditure on maintenance in the years ahead.
In 1991, he was assigned to Toulouse to co-ordinate the implementation of the in-flight entertainment system, as well as supervise the completion and delivery of Airbus aircraft to Emirates airline.
Mr Al Redha joined Emirates in 1988 after starting his career two years earlier as a trainee aircraft engineer with another carrier in the region.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology/Aircraft Maintenance from the University of Northrop, USA, and a Masters Degree in Air Transport from Cranfield University, UK.