A new chief executive has been appointed to head Malaysia's Fly Asian Xpress, which is preparing to launch long-haul, low-fare services under the AirAsia banner.
Azran Osman-Rani has been appointed to replace Raja Mohd Azmi, who will remain a director and shareholder of FAX. Azran, 36, is a former associate partner of management consultancy McKinsey & Co and most recently has worked with Malaysian pay-television firm Astro All Asia Networks in a senior role.
FAX currently only operates turboprop aircraft in East Malaysia but it is expected to soon hand these back to Malaysia Airlines.
The carrier is owned by some of the key investors in Malaysian short-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia, including founder Tony Fernandes, and they plan to convert FAX into a long-haul carrier operating Airbus A330-300s. Fernandes is currently recruiting for this new venture.
It will operate with the AirAsia name under a licensing arrangement, and publicly traded AirAsia Group has the right to buy a minority stake in it. Its long-haul operations are due to begin in late 2007.
Source: Airline Business
