United Airlines has announced key leadership changes across its team in Africa, reflecting the importance of this region within the airline’s international route network and its commitment to driving growth and innovation across the continent, alongside its joint venture and alliance partners.
United is aligning its Sales Leadership Team across Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco, with the appointment of Amit Badiani as Head of Africa and Offline Sales, responsible for the overall leadership of United’s Africa business, as well as the expansion of Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe’s role as Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana and now, South Africa.
In South Africa, Penny Alexandrou has been appointed as United’s General Manager, Johannesburg, responsible for United’s operations at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.
“With over 19 years’ experience in the aviation industry, Badiani brings a wealth of expertise and strategic direction to our team as we build on our success in Africa,” said Thorsten Lettnin, Director Sales, Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India at United Airlines. “This will further build on our close partnerships with key trade and airline partners as we expand our presence in soon to be four online countries across Africa, including Morocco from October 2024.”
“Bola-Sadipe has over 15 years’ experience in the aviation business and is a highly respected and well-established leader with a proven track record in the industry,” said Lettnin. “In her new role, I know that Oluwatomi will continue her great success in sales efforts across Africa.”
“We are delighted to welcome Penny Alexandrou to our Johannesburg operations,” said Mark Clays, Regional Director Airport Operations, Europe, Israel and Africa at United Airlines. “Penny is bringing more than 24 years of industry experience to her new role and will be instrumental in leading our team towards continued service excellence.”
These key leadership changes come as United this year marks the fifth anniversary of its Cape Town – New York/Newark service, third anniversary of its Johannesburg – New York/Newark service and expands its presence on the second largest continent in the world, adding Marrakesh, Morocco to its network in Africa from 25 October 2024. United will be the first and only airline to operate nonstop flights from Marrakesh to the U.S. and next winter, will offer the most flights to the most destinations in Africa from metro New York.
United also operates routes from Cape Town, South Africa to New York/Newark and Washington D.C and connects Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana with Washington D.C.
The United Travel Experience
United PolarisSM business class is a premium travel experience that prioritises relaxation and comfort, featuring quality inflight dining, amenity products and services from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue and full flat-bed seats with all aisle access.
United Premium PlusSM features a spacious seat with more legroom, elbow room and recline than a standard Economy PlusSM or economy seat, as well as an amenity kit, Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and plush pillow.
United Economy Plus offers added legroom and increased personal space. Located near the front of the economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of a swifter exit from the plane on arrival. Economy Plus seating is available on all trans-Atlantic flights.
United economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. On most aircraft, seats feature an adjustable headrest and a personal on-demand entertainment system.
United’s Boeing 777-200ER aircraft currently operating United’s services from Cape Town to New York/Newark and Washington D.C. features 50 all-aisle-access United Polaris business suites, 24 United Premium Plus premium economy, 46 Economy Plus and 156 economy seats.
United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft operating services from Johannesburg to New York/Newark and effective 27 October 2024, from Cape Town to New York/Newark and Washington D.C., features 48 all-aisle-access United Polaris business suites, 21 United Premium Plus, 39 Economy Plus and 149 economy seats.
United’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft operating services from Accra and Lagos to Washington D.C. features 28 United Polaris business class lie-flat seats, 21 United Premium Plus premium economy seats, 36 Economy Plus seats and 158 standard economy seats.
The revolutionary design of the Dreamliner offers customers many features for increased comfort, such as large windows, spacious overhead storage, and modern LED lighting to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clock on the transatlantic flight.
United’s premium Boeing 767-300 aircraft will operate services from Marrakesh to New York/Newark, featuring an extended United Polaris business class cabin and United Premium Plus, with 46 United Polaris business suites with direct aisle access, 22 United Premium Plus seats, 43 Economy Plus seats and 56 economy seats.
