Recently-appointed Al Ain branch supervisor of Al Jaber Trans Arabian Air Services, Rizwan Aboobacker, tells ATN about his plans for the outlet

ATN: What is your travel industry background?

I began my career in the travel industry in 2004 working as a travel consultant for Carlson Wagonlit Travel in India.

In 2006 I moved to Dubai and worked for Al Naboodah Travel and Tourism as a branch manager.

Over the years I have developed strong skills in retail, corporate and GSA operations. Recently I have taken on the role as supervisor for Al Ain Branch of Al Jaber Trans Arabian Air Services, which has a strong base in Abu Dhabi.

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ATN: What are your main responsibilities in your new role and what do you think will be the biggest challenges you will face?

I will be responsible for the entire operation and for setting up the agency in the hope that it will become one of the leading agencies in Al Ain.

My biggest challenges, however, will be to make the business profitable within the first year of operation — especially during a time when factors such as the global economic crisis and Swine Flu are impacting the travel sector.

ATN: How much potential is there in the Al Ain travel market and how do you hope to engage customers ?

Al Ain might not be that big compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it has its own individual market, which concentrates on both holidays and corporate travel.

ATN: What are your key objectives in the new role and how do you plan to achieve them?

I want to increase the exposure of Al Jaber Trans Arabian Air Services in Al Ain and I will do this by creating a suitable marketing strategy and updating this as and when it is required.

For more details on Al Jaber Trans Arabian Air Services expansion see the November issue of ATN.