Aireen Omar named new AirAsia Berhad CEO

Low-cost carrier Air Asia has appointed Aireen Omar as its new chief executive officer (CEO) and executive director for the company’s Malaysia office.

Aireen will officially take office on July 1, reporting directly to AirAsia Group CEO, Tony Fernandes.

Aireen’s appointment follows the announcement last week by Fernandes of the Group’s new regional strategy as it enters its second decade.

“I am delighted with the appointment of Aireen, who has consistently demonstrated her capabilities and commitment in propelling AirAsia to new heights. She has long been an invaluable part of the senior management team of AirAsia and possesses the vision and leadership qualities crucial for the company’s growth in its second decade,” Fernandes said in a press statement sent to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Fernandes emphasized the significance of positive changes in perspective, strategy and operations in the company maintaining its success.

The company says it will focus particularly on the Asean region, as well as beyond Asean, including Northeast Asia and South Asia. The company already has affiliates in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“In short, we need to pivot to a wider, regional lens from the first decade’s focus, which was largely domestic. The enormous potential in an under-served market of three billion people spread across Asean, Northeast Asia and South Asia offers huge opportunities – and AirAsia, we are convinced, is ideally positioned to reap huge dividends by serving this market,” he said.

Previously, Aireen was the company’s regional head of corporate finance, treasury and investor relations. She joined the company in 2006 as the director of corporate finance.