Azerbaijan Airlines appoints aviation veteran to lead its passenger subsidiary

Mario Chaves has been appointed chief executive officer of Azerbaijan Airlines’ passenger airline, a subsidiary of Azerbaijan Airlines Group (AZAL), as the carrier enters a period of significant growth.

Chaves has more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. Since 2023, he has served as chief operating officer of TAP Air Portugal.

He previously held senior positions at Portugalia Airlines and Grupo SATA, where he served as chief executive officer and chief operating and commercial officer respectively. He was also acting chief executive of Cabo Verde Airlines before later becoming its chief corporate affairs officer.

Chaves began his aviation career in 1995 and joined TAP Air Portugal as a pilot in 1998. He later held senior roles at the headquarters of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), working in flight operations, regulation and efficiency, as well as senior positions at several international airlines.

AZAL said his international experience in airline operations and commercial management would support the passenger airline's expansion strategy.

The appointment is part of Azerbaijan Airlines' efforts to support sustainable development, improve operational performance and customer experience, and introduce international best practices.

By Aghakazim Guliyev