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Abu Dhabi Airports appoints new Chief Commercial Officer
Carsten Nørland brings an "exceptional record” in transforming commercial operations
Abu Dhabi Airports has appointed Carsten Nørland as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
With more than two decades of senior leadership experience spanning aviation, infrastructure and consumer sectors, Nørland brings an “exceptional track record” in transforming commercial operations and driving sustainable growth.
He steps into the role at a pivotal moment, with Abu Dhabi Airports achieving 17 consecutive quarters of double‑digit growth, boosted by the opening of Zayed International Airport’s new terminal.
As CCO, Nørland will oversee commercial operations across the operator’s five airports, including route development, retail and duty-free, F&B, real estate, non-aeronautical revenue streams and commercial partnerships.
He is tasked with developing new airline relationships, expanding the network and enhancing passenger services.
A Danish national, Nørland most recently served as CEO of Scandlines, where he led a wide-reaching transformation that delivered record freight and passenger volumes, boosted financial performance and built a strong long-term commercial foundation.
Earlier in his career, he held senior international roles at Royal Unibrew as SVP International and Managing Director for Nordic & Central Europe, and at Copenhagen Airport as VP of Market & Sales, where he was instrumental in expanding airline partnerships and strengthening the airport’s hub position.
He was also a member of the Board of Directors for Brussels Airport Company for nine years and has an MSC in Economics and Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School.
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On his LinkedIn profile, Nørland describes his leadership style as combining a “strong focus on business results with an equally dedicated focus on building winning teams and driving cultural change”.
Commenting on the appointment, Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Carsten’s vast experience in transforming commercial operations and delivering sustainable growth aligns perfectly with our strategic vision as we continue to elevate the passenger experience and expand Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity.”
Nørland’s arrival comes as Abu Dhabi Airports continues its strong upward trajectory. In the first half of 2025, the group handled 15.8 million passengers, a 13.1% increase year-on-year. Zayed International Airport (AUH) led this surge, adding 16 new destinations and welcoming several new international carriers.
For more information, visit www.adairports.ae
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