Over the years, I have met many airline folk because of the nature of my job. Two in particular impressed me because of their passion and dedication to their airlines.
The first was Izzy Etkin of Sabena Airlines and the second, Mike Higgins of Virgin Airlines.
Both were innovative and creative, both believed that there was nothing better in life than getting people to travel to different parts of the world. Both thought laterally and, often in the most difficult of operating times, filled their airlines and got South Africans travelling.
They had true passion and they put bums in aircraft seats.
Then last week, I met Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer of Etihad Airways, in South Africa to launch Etihad's daily flight to Cape Town from Abu Dhabi (pronounced Abu Dabbi not Abu Dhaaaaabi as we all usually mispronounce it.) And the first thing that struck me about him was his passion for his airline...
Etihad Airways, the vision of Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was established as the national airline of the United Arab Emirates in 2003.
The service was launched with a ceremonial flight to Al Ain in November 2003, then the first commercial flight took place to Beirut a week later.
Back to Baumgartner. Etihad is a "different" airline, he tells, me because it is new. "It started from scratch." That means every aircraft it flies is new and, as the airline grows, more new aircraft are being continuously ordered and purchased.
The Abu Dhabi/Johannesburg/Cape Town daily run is on a sparkling Airbus A330.
When launching the South African flights in Abu Dhabi, Etihad chief executive James Hogan said: "South Africa is a leading global destination of choice for tourism and commerce... "
The airline, which in its short operating time has won several important awards (such as best airline in Africa, best business class airline, etc) has rapidly increased its routes in under five years to over 50 destinations worldwide.
By next year, Etihad will increase its destinations to 70.
Baumgartner believes his airline has much to be proud of. Such as its ambitions to bring back the passion in flying, to bring back the glamour of the early days of flying.
And finally, to treat each passenger as if he or she is special.
"People do not like the feeling that they are cattle," he says. "We want to give our passengers, those in first and business class, and in economy too, the feeling that they are flying in a private jet."
For Etihad, important benchmarks are lifestyle (it has to be good, very, very good) aboard the airline, food and comfort
In first class, Etihad passengers will find themselves in their own private cabin with every possible facility. "Our first class is the best," Baumgartner says unequivocally.
Business passengers too will wine and dine magnificently and then sleep in a flat bed that offers length and width so that they arrive the following day for their business meetings feeling refreshed.
The Abu Dhabi terminal has been enlarged and the new section offers day beds for first and business class passengers, a spa, 5-star restaurant and many other delights necessary to enhance your well-being.
From Johannesburg and now Cape Town, you can fly via Abu Dhabi to Paris, Mumbai, London, Dublin, (Schengen visas are cheaper than British visas), Toronto, New York, Chicago, Sydney, in fact, to all corners of the globe. Last year, Etihad flew over six millions passengers. Not bad for a young airline.
Etihad's general manager in South Africa is on-the-ball Craig Thomas and it goes without saying that he shares Baumgartner's sentiments.
"We will be the best airline in the world," says Baumgartner with determination.
Okay Peter Baumgartner, you're now the third man I know who is truly passionate about his airline.
