Emirates has recently named Rashid Al Ardha as the new Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, effective August 1st. Rashid will take over the position previously held by Chandana de Silva, who will assume new responsibilities as Emirates’ Manager Government Liaison for Sri Lanka and Maldives.

In his new role, Rashid will support Emirates’ commercial objectives, oversee the airline’s operations in both countries and maintain crucial relationships with stakeholders. Since serving as the Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei since 2019, Rashid will continue reporting to Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for West Asia and the Indian Ocean. Prior to his role in Singapore, Rashid served as the Country Manager for Indonesia.

Chandana de Silva, who has been with Emirates since 2008, has played a vital role in leading the airline’s operations, driving growth, and strengthening Emirates’ presence in Sri Lanka and Maldives over the past 15 years. His extensive experience in the aviation industries of both countries will be utilized to enhance further Emirates’ operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Ahmed Khoory, the SVP of Commercial Operations for West Asia and the Indian Ocean, expressed gratitude to Chandana for his contributions and wished him success in his new role, where he will focus on nurturing relationships with government stakeholders and authorities. Khoory congratulated Rashid on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to bring a fresh perspective to customer service and tackle industry-specific challenges.

Emirates has supported tourism and trade development in the Maldives for over 35 years. Operating 28 flights per week between Dubai and the Maldives, the renowned airline connects travelers and exporters to a vast network of over 140 passenger and cargo destinations.