AirAsia X promoted Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy as the Non-Executive Director of Thai AirAsia X (TAAX). In his new role, Fawzy will focus on overseeing the strategic direction and driving sustainable growth for the medium-haul airline Group - AAX and TAAX. He was serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors since August 2022.
Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy said: “I am thrilled to join the TAAX board of directors as the Group embarks on our new phase of growth as a predominantly mid-range airline. Our strategy is to focus on flying our most popular and profitable medium-haul routes first, which have proven to be successful in the past including leveraging cargo operations in key markets. AAX Group is reborn and rebounding fast thanks to strong pent-up demand for affordable mid-range travel across Asia and the Asia Pacific.”
Meanwhile, Tony Fernandes, who was recently appointed as the Acting Group CEO in addition to his position as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of AAX in July 2022, will be stepping down from his senior leadership positions with AAX, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.
Tony Fernandes said: “I went in with a clear mandate to restart AirAsia X and bring it back to life from hibernation. I am happy that this has been accomplished with a very edifying plan for 20 aircraft for the AAX Group— 13 aircraft for AAX and seven for Thai AAX. After the excellent job led by Lim Kian Onn on the restructuring, my job was to bring the airline back to profitability and growth. We have improved the cost structure and created the cargo business, which has contributed about 20% to the airline’s revenue during the pandemic and will continue to play a vital role in the recovery of AAX.”
To cater to the overwhelming consumer demand, the AAX Group has added a significant number of new services for both Malaysia-based AAX (D7) and Thailand-based TAAX (XJ) in recent times with many more in the pipeline, the airline added.