As travel to Japan continues to skyrocket, All Nippon Airways and its general sales agent (GSA) in Australia, The Walshe Group, have announced the appointment of Michael Fletcher to the role of National Sales Manager.
Most of Fletcher’s airline industry nous was earned during a 13-plus year tenure at American Airlines, based in Melbourne, Sydney and London. But he also spent over eight years at Virgin Australia in various senior roles.
Other travel industry experience spans air ticket consolidation, retail travel and luxury hotels.
Replacing Brett Walsh in the role, Fletcher moves to Japan’s largest carrier after a stint as Director of Sales for the Crown Towers Sydney hotel.
His main role at All Nippon Airways will be to develop customer relationships across the Australian market and to build brand awareness.
“I am thrilled to be joining one of the world’s leading carriers to head up the skilled and highly regarded local sales office team in growing our customer and revenue base, and consumer brand awareness in the Australian market,” Fletcher told Karryon.
“I look forward to meeting with ANA’s key distribution partners and clients, and further developing the great industry relationships already in place.”
ANA Australia/Oceania Managing Director and Sydney Branch General Manager Maki Matsuzaki said the airline was thrilled about Fletcher’s appointment, which commenced this month.
“With his expertise, the Australia/Oceania region is bound to grow even stronger,” she told Karryon.
ANA currently operates nonstop Tokyo Haneda-Sydney flights as well as direct flights between Tokyo Narita and Perth, which recommenced late last year.
The carrier has also earned several accolades. Earlier this month, it was named among the top 10 safest airlines in the world and the top 10 most punctual airlines. In 2023, it was voted the world’s third-best airline at the World Airline Awards as well as the world’s cleanest airline.
Last year, ANA also announced a “significantly expanded” partnership with Virgin Australia.
Michael Fletcher can be reached at m.fletcher@ana.co.jp.
