National Airlines names new VP – Strategy & Revenue Optimisation

National Airlines has announced the appointment of Nihal Wickrema as their vice president of strategy and revenue optimization. An operational strategist by nature with over 30 years of experience across cargo charters and freighter operations, Nihal has held various key positions in different capacities throughout his career.

Wickrema joined Emirates Sky Cargo in the early 90s, where he grew to become one of their key architects who designed and implemented processes and controls for freighter operations. Almost three decades later, Wickrema became a well-known name in the region amongst the top players in the industry. His overall operational experience boasts of a wide range of aircraft types such as the B777, B747, B707, B727, A380, A310, A330. Besides these, Nihal comes with an in-depth knowledge in capacity control and was instrumental in the establishment of the trucking network for Emirates Sky Cargo.

"Nihal's multidimensional experience and leadership qualities will benefit National Airlines in the long run. Being a global carrier, we look to expand into various verticals and Nihal will be a key resource for both our short- & long-term goals," said Jacob Matthew, cargo president and board member, National Air.

In the past, Wickrema has also worked as a licensed aviation instructor at Air Lanka (now Sri Lankan Airlines), prior to joining Emirates. With a rapidly expanding fleet of B747s at National Airlines, Wickrema will be stationed at the corporate headquarters in Orlando, FL.