KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines' operator Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd today confirmed that it has appointed former Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's managing director Tan Sri Dr Bashir Ahmad as a member of its board earlier this month.
In a posting on its website, MAG said Bashir's appointment as non-executive director of the group and Malaysia Airlines Bhd was made on August 12, 2024.
MAG said with experience in leadership roles in the aviation industry spanning over 50 years, Bashir is one of the few executives who has worked at a senior level in every aspect of the aviation industry.
He joins another eight board members including MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, non-executive chairman Tan Sri Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin and non-executive director Tan Sri Krishnan Tan Boon Seng.
Bashir previously served Malaysia Airlines for 29 years, starting as a management trainee in 1972 and worked in various areas of the airline before becoming Executive Vice President of the airline.
From 2001 to 2003, Bashir served as Aviation Advisor to Malaysia's Ministry of Transport.
He was MD of MAHB from 2003 to 2014 and continued as advisor until 2017.
He continues to play a role as advisor to GMR Airports, which is among the top five airport developers in the world.
In a statement last Saturday, MAG said it acknowledged the disruptions impacting three of its carriers - Malaysia Airlines, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) and Amal and were taking immediate steps to temporarily reduce its network and address the root causes which include supply chain constraints and manpower challenges.
Business Times reported that MAG is cutting flights for 13 international destinations until December 2024.
MAG' issues prompted a special audit by Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the findings of which, the Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said, will be presented to the Cabinet tomorrow.