Nihal Wickrema takes charge as VP strategy, revenue optimisation at National Airlines

• Wickrema was instrumental in the establishment of the trucking network for Emirates Sky Cargo.

March 17, 2021: Emirates SkyCargo veteran Nihal Wickrema has joined US carrier National Airlines as vice president of strategy and revenue optimisation.

An operational strategist by nature with over 30 years of experience across cargo charters & freighter operations, Wickrema has held various key positions in different capacities throughout his career.

He joined Emirates SkyCargo in the early 90’s, where he grew to become one of their key architects who designed and implemented processes and controls for freighter operations. His overall operational experience boasts of a wide range of aircraft types such as the B777, B747, B707, B727, A380, A310, and A330. Besides these, Wickrema comes with an in-depth knowledge in capacity control and was instrumental in the establishment of the trucking network for Emirates Sky Cargo.

“Nihal’s multidimensional experience and leadership qualities will benefit National Airlines in the long run. Being a global carrier, we look to expand into various verticals and Nihal will be a key resource for both our short- and long-term goals,” said National Air Cargo president and board member, Jacob Matthew.

In the past, he also worked as a licensed aviation instructor at Air Lanka (now Sri Lankan Airlines), prior to joining Emirates. With a rapidly expanding fleet of B747s at National Airlines, Wickrema will be stationed at the corporate headquarters in Orlando.