He will report to dnata’s head of trade support, Kym Coulbeck, and work across all the Gold Medal, Cruise Plus, Pure Luxury and Incredible Journeys brands.

Since October 2022, David has worked as key account manager for LGBTQ+ specialist tour operator ChiliMax Holidays, building new and nurturing current relationships with the trade.

Prior to his time at Chilimax, he spent 15 years with Emirates Airways, first as senior sales agent based at Newcastle airport, and from 2010, as account manager with responsibility for the airline’s relationships with agents.

Karen Fletcher, dnata Travel Group B2B trade partnership director, said: "It’s exciting to be adding another talented and well-respected individual like David to our trade partnerships team. 

Steven added: "I’m excited to start working in a different part of the Emirates family with the dnata Travel group B2B team, and put my knowledge of the north-east travel trade to good use as they further enhance their relationships with agents across the region."