In preparation for its upcoming phase of expansion, AirAsia has revealed two significant leadership appointments. Datuk Captain Chester Voo is appointed as the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer for Airline Operations, while Farouk Kamal takes on the role of Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer for Corporate affairs. Both leaders will play crucial roles in shaping the future trajectory of the airline group.

Datuk Captain Chester Voo will spearhead Airline Operations, concentrating on optimizing and enhancing efficiencies in core airline functions. His responsibilities also include identifying and mitigating potential risks to enhance overall airline performance. With over 11 years of experience at AirAsia and a notable leadership history, including his role as CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Datuk Captain Chester Voo brings a wealth of expertise to the position.

Farouk Kamal will oversee Corporate functions, which include Finance, Corporate Finance, Aircraft Leasing, Legal, Investor Relations, and Strategy. Additionally, he will provide supervision for Internal Audit and Risk Management within the Aviation Group. Farouk comes to AirAsia from Urusharta Jamaah, a Government Linked Investment Company (GLIC), where he served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer. His previous experience in Investment Banking with Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan, and Credit Suisse, along with his prior role as a board member of AirAsia X, positions him well for his responsibilities in the new role.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “As we enter a new era, these leadership appointments signify a significant milestone in the airline’s evolution, steering AirAsia through an era of digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth. Both of their combined efforts will allow us to continue our dedicated focus on our strategic decision-making, long-term planning, and overall organisational direction for the group. The synergy between the seasoned leaders and the existing team is expected to fuel further innovation and drive us toward continued success. I am confident that both Captain Chester and Farouk’s invaluable experience, within and outside of AirAsia, will be great assets to achieve our short, medium and long-term goals.”

Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Deputy Group CEO (Airline Operations) of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “I am honoured to take on this role at a critical juncture in AirAsia’s journey. The focus on efficiency, risk mitigation, and performance improvement will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we shape the future of AirAsia Aviation Group. The aviation industry is evolving rapidly, and I am excited to lead the charge in ensuring that AirAsia continues to set new benchmarks across all that we do.”

Farouk Kamal, Deputy Group CEO (Corporate) of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “As AirAsia embarks on this new phase of growth, the Corporate function plays a crucial role in the overall strategy and success of the airline. By aligning them with the broader goals and vision of the group, we will implement strategies that contribute not only to the company’s financial success but also to its reputation for excellence and innovation. It is an exciting journey, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of AirAsia in Asean and beyond.”

In the anticipated outlook for AirAsia in 2024, the group is actively working towards the full restoration of its fleet. It looks forward to the reactivation of 191 aircraft by the end of the first quarter this year, with 166 already in operation. Demonstrating a strong recovery trajectory, the group expects its capacity to rebound to 83% of pre-pandemic levels by the close of 1Q2024 and to continue to grow in the future.

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