Stealth, teamwork and a long-standing rapport between Mounir and IAG boss Willie Walsh also played a role, sources said. Earlier this year, Mounir was in a battle with Airbus for sales of wide-body jets to IAG and Germany's Lufthansa. Buying Airbus jets is part of Mounir's playbook after he bought China Eastern A340s to make room for new Boeing 777s. Industry insiders compare Mounir's audacious style to former Airbus sales chief John Leahy, who retired last year after selling jets worth $1.7 trillion. Ex-General Electric engine sales head McAllister - working a double act with Mounir - has helped open new doors for Boeing.

Source: Ethiopian News June 28, 2019 12:45 UTC