Co-founder of AirAsia & Advisor to AirAsia Group Berhad
Co-founder of AirAsia & Non-Independent Executive Director of AirAsia Group Berhad
Group Chief Executive Officer
Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer
Group Chief Financial Officer
Group Chief Operations Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
General Manager, AirAsia X Malaysia
General Manager, AirAsia Malaysia
General Manager, AirAsia Thailand
General Manager, AirAsia X Thailand
Interim General Manager, AirAsia Indonesia
General Manager, AirAsia Philippines
Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, AirAsia Cambodia
Co-founder of AirAsia & Advisor to AirAsia Group Berhad
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is a co-founder of AirAsia. He was appointed as a Non-Independent Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Capital A Berhad (formerly known as AirAsia Group Berhad) on 30 March 2018.
Tan Sri Tony is one of Asia's most recognisable entrepreneurs, best known for co-founding low-cost carrier AirAsia and democratising air travel in the region.
In December 2001, Tan Sri Tony, together with Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Dato' Pahamin Ab Rajab and Dato' Abdel Aziz @ Abdul Aziz bin Abu Bakar, acquired struggling domestic airline, AirAsia, and with the help of Conor McCarthy, relaunched it as a pioneer of budget travel in Asia, building AirAsia into the world's best low-cost carrier.
He studied in the UK and qualified as an Associate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 1991, then as a Fellow Member in 1996. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). An accountant by training, he began his career in Virgin Group before returning to Malaysia as Warner Music Group's Vice President for Southeast Asia before venturing into the airline business.
Tan Sri Tony has received numerous honours and awards over the course of his career. These include the Honour of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, and the Commander of the Legion d'Honneur, awarded by the French Government for outstanding contributions to the economy of France through the aviation industry. He also received the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) award conferred by Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, which carries the title Tan Sri.
Co-founder of AirAsia & Non-Independent Executive Director of AirAsia Group Berhad
Datuk Kamarudin bin Meranun is a co-founder of AirAsia. He was appointed as a Non-Independent Executive Chairman of Capital A Berhad (formerly known as AirAsia Group Berhad) on 30 March 2018.
He is also a Non-Independent Executive Chairman of AirAsia Berhad (AAB), taking the lead in engaging with the government, aviation regulators and airport authorities of Malaysia. Before being designated as Executive Chairman, he was AAB's Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer.
In December 2001, Datuk Kamarudin, together with Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Dato' Pahamin Ab Rajab and Dato' Abdel Aziz @ Abdul Aziz bin Abu Bakar, acquired struggling domestic airline AirAsia and, with the help of Conor McCarthy, relaunched it as a pioneer of budget travel in Asia, building AirAsia into the world's best low-cost carrier. In 2020, amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic, AirAsia pivoted from just an airline to a unified digital and e-commerce platform with its airasia Superapp, powered by technology and data.
Prior to setting up AirAsia, Datuk Kamarudin worked at Arab-Malaysian Merchant Bank from 1988 to 1993 as a Portfolio Manager, managing both institutional and high net-worth individual clients' investment funds. In 1994, he was appointed Executive Director of Innosabah Capital Management Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Innosabah Securities Sdn. Bhd. He subsequently acquired the shares of the joint venture partner of Innosabah Capital Management Sdn. Bhd., which was later renamed Intrinsic Capital Management Sdn. Bhd.
He holds a Diploma in Actuarial Science from University Technology MARA (UiTM) and graduated with a BSc with Distinction (Magna Cum Laude) majoring in Finance in 1986 and achieved an MBA in 1987 from Central Michigan University.
He received the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN), which carries the title Datuk, from the Malaysian King in November 2013.
Datuk Kamarudin is also a Non-Independent Executive Director of AirAsia Group Berhad, a Director of Red Giants Football Club and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Mahathir Science Award Foundation.
Group Chief Executive Officer
Tharumalingam A/L Kanagalingam, commonly known as Bo Lingam, has been instrumental in shaping the AirAsia Aviation Group's strategic direction and operational framework, driving the airlines' regional expansion and solidifying its leadership in the competitive aviation industry. Since joining AirAsia in 2001 as a Ground Operations Manager, he has played a key role in implementing the low-cost airline model across operations and procurement. Over the years, he has held several leadership positions, including Purchasing and Supplies Senior Manager, Regional Guest Services Director, Chief of Operations and Planning, Group Chief Operations Officer, President & Group Chief Operations Officer, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Airlines and Group President of Airlines.
As Group CEO of AirAsia Group Berhad, Bo Lingam continues to drive the airline's evolution by prioritising operational excellence, optimising processes and enhancing the customer experience. His leadership has been pivotal in strengthening AirAsia's presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia, while also overseeing the establishment of new airlines within the Group. He remains committed to delivering innovative ancillary solutions and ensuring seamless, personalised travel experiences that meet the evolving demands of modern travellers.
Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer
As the Deputy Group CEO, Ahmad Al Farouk bin Ahmad Kamal (Farouk) plays a pivotal role in the unified leadership structure of the Group. Following the successful consolidation of AirAsia Berhad (AAB) and AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL) under the AirAsia X banner, Farouk is responsible for the oversight of all corporate functions and group-wide operations, ensuring that the Group's strategic vision is translated into measurable operational performance and sustainable financial growth.
Under this role, he leads the Corporate portfolio — encompassing Finance, Corporate Finance, Aircraft Finance/Leasing, Legal, Sustainability and Investor Relations — while also overseeing the Group's Operations function. Farouk also has oversight on the Group's Internal Audit and Risk Management.
Farouk transitioned to this role from AirAsia Aviation Group, where he served as Deputy CEO (Corporate) from 8 January 2024.
Farouk has over 20 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, equity research and equity trading. He has worked at leading global financial institutions including Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan and Credit Suisse. Prior to joining AirAsia, he served as CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Urusharta Jamaah, a Government-Linked Investment Company (GLIC), where he was responsible for managing and rehabilitating assets valued at over RM10 billion.
AirAsia X Group:
Listed
Non-Listed
Group Chief Financial Officer
Kar Chuan is a seasoned banking professional with over 23 years of financial services experience in large corporate and investment banking activities mainly equity, debt, corporate banking and M&A transactions. Prior to joining AirAsia, Kar Chuan spent over 15 years in RHB Investment Bank as well as Maybank Investment Bank.
Kar Chuan has been instrumental as a key partner of the Company and Capital A Berhad since 2016, playing an instrumental role in addressing their capital and funding needs. His contributions include supporting management with deal origination and execution, helping to manage funding requirements and overseeing debt and equity fundraising efforts.
Kar Chuan brings a unique understanding of the organisation, having built strong working relationships with management and stakeholders, along with a wealth of external financial experience. His deep knowledge and proven track record will be invaluable in helping the Company navigate the complex challenges of the aviation industry and meet its financial demands.
AirAsia X Group:
Listed
Group Chief Operations Officer
Capt. Suresh brings over 20 years of aviation experience to the Group, having developed a comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up. Since joining AirAsia as a Pilot in 2003, Capt. Suresh has held diverse roles in technical and management sectors, including serving as an Internal Auditor and managing the Cadet Pilot Training Programme. His early career focused on building operational foundations and managing flight deck recruitment, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent during the Group's formative years.
In 2010, Capt. Suresh transitioned to AirAsia X as Chief Pilot Operations, later becoming Director of Flight Operations in 2013. His leadership expanded significantly in recent years, serving as the AirAsia Aviation Group's Director of Flight Operations and most recently as the President and CEO of Philippines AirAsia. This progression from operational roles to executive leadership helped cultivate the practical and strategic insight necessary to oversee the Group's complex regional operations as the Group Chief Operations Officer.
Chief Commercial Officer
Amanda Woo is the Chief Commercial Officer for AirAsia Group Berhad. She is responsible for the overall airline commercial functions including network & scheduling, route revenue, ancillary, inflight meals, duty-free, airport incentives & partnership and social media.
Her journey with AirAsia began in 2012, where she initially led airline marketing before progressing to establish and lead Commercial in Indo-China, including Vietnam. Her portfolio later expanded to overseeing Commercial across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, before taking on the overall Group Commercial role.
Her extensive experience spans across multiple industries and global brands, including e-commerce, lifestyle and retail. In AirAsia, her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the airline's presence in key Asean markets particularly in establishing AirAsia's footprint in new markets and gaining significant markets across the region.
She also played a key role in AirAsia's digital transformation during the pandemic, supporting the transition from an airline-centric business into the AirAsia SuperApp (now known as AirAsia MOVE).
General Manager, AirAsia X Malaysia
With a background in investment banking and corporate strategy, Benyamin brings over two decades of financial and airline-specific expertise to AirAsia X. His career began in Debt Capital Markets, where he held roles at Affin Investment Bank, Maybank Investment Bank and CIMB Investment Bank. Transitioning to the aviation sector in 2010 as AirAsia's Head of Investor Relations, his strategic acumen and excellence in stakeholder engagement earned him prestigious industry recognition, including multiple "Best IR Professional" awards from Bursa Malaysia's MIRA and Corporate Governance Asia.
Since being appointed CEO of AirAsia X in September 2015, Benyamin has been instrumental in navigating the airline through its most challenging periods. He has successfully spearheaded critical corporate transformations, most notably AirAsia X's 2015 turnaround plan, the 2021 Debt Restructuring and the airline's subsequent upliftment from PN17 status in late 2023. Under his stewardship, AirAsia X successfully completed the strategic acquisitions of AirAsia's airline entities, effectively consolidating the brand and positioning AirAsia X, now an enlarged aviation group, for sustainable, long-term expansion in the global market.
Benyamin also currently serves as a Director of Thai AirAsia X Co., Ltd. and Ground Team Red Sdn. Bhd.
Others:
Non-Listed
General Manager, AirAsia Malaysia
An aviation executive with over 30 years of experience in airline operations, pilot training and leadership. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and has served with Pelangi Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and AirAsia, where he was promoted to Captain on the Boeing 737 back in 1999 and operates the Airbus A320. He is also a qualified Instructor Pilot on the B737, A320 and A330 fleets.
He has held senior leadership roles within AirAsia, including Deputy Chief Pilot (Safety) and Director of Flight Operations AirAsia Berhad, overseeing operational performance and safety, where he played a pivotal role in the development of key operational and training frameworks and led initiatives in digital cockpit transformation, fatigue risk management and fuel efficiency programmes.
He later served as Chief Executive Officer of Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence (AACE), a joint venture between AirAsia and CAE. In recent years, he has continued to shape pilot development and operational strategy as Head of Flight Crew Resourcing and later Head of Pilot Training & Standards at AirAsia Group. His expertise includes strategic leadership in aviation, operational and safety excellence, and pilot training and development.
He was appointed as the Managing Director of AirAsia Berhad on 10 July 2024 and subsequently redesignated as Chief Executive Officer on 1 November 2024. He was thereafter redesignated as General Manager on 19 January 2026.
AirAsia X Group:
Non-Listed
General Manager, AirAsia Thailand
From 2014 to 2020, Phairat served as the Chief Financial Officer for Thai AirAsia X Co., Ltd., while also holding a Directorship within the company until 2022. His leadership during this period was instrumental in managing the financial strategy and corporate governance of the long-haul carrier.
In 2020, he became the Chief Financial Officer for Asia Aviation Plc. through 2026. Simultaneously, he served as the CFO and a Member of the Risk Management Committee for Thai AirAsia Co., Ltd., ensuring fiscal stability and robust risk oversight.
Throughout his tenure from 2014 to 2026, he has played a pivotal role in the financial evolution of the AirAsia brand in Thailand, specialising in financial management, board-level directorship and comprehensive risk mitigation across multiple aviation entities.
AirAsia X Group:
Listed
Others:
Non-Listed
General Manager, AirAsia X Thailand
Pattra was appointed as the CEO of Thai AirAsia X in May 2025 and she has over 12 years extensive experience in managing multicultural teams in AirAsia Group. She joined AirAsia in March 2014 as the Chief Financial Officer of AirAsia Thailand and Asia Aviation Public Company Limited and was appointed as AirAsia Group's Chief Financial Officer in September 2016.
Pattra has contributed significantly to the financial growth of AirAsia businesses covering Finance where she built the backbone of Financial ERP, Oracle Fusion Cloud at Shared Service Center, Fundraising to support the business growth and supervise the Internal Audit, Tax, Procurement and Risk Management over the years and has been instrumental in key decisions to propel the company forward. Her contributions continued to elevate the organisation, leading to her appointment as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Capital A and supported Group CEO in November 2024, where she oversaw capital structuring and strategic investment planning across five business entities.
In 2019, Pattra was named Asia's Best CFO at the 9th Asian Excellence Recognition Awards.
Pattra is a Certified Public Accountant, having started her career as a senior auditor at Ernst & Young. She then joined Sony Music as its Finance Director and rose to become its General Manager.
Interim General Manager, AirAsia Indonesia
From 1992 to 2004, Capt. Achmad served at PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines, advancing from First Officer on Fokker F28/F100s to Captain on the F27. During this foundational period, he had also gained administrative expertise as an officer in the Flight Operation Administration Department from 2003 to 2004.
Following a tenure from 2004 to 2005 as an Airbus A310/A300 First Officer at PT Air Paradise International, Capt. Achmad joined PT Indonesia AirAsia in 2006. Over the next two decades, he transitioned from Captain to executive leadership, serving as Director of Safety and Quality from 2013 through 2025.
In 2025, Capt. Achmad was appointed Interim General Manager, bringing over 30 years of operational and regulatory expertise to the airline's top leadership.
General Manager, AirAsia Philippines
Anna has over 15 years of experience in infrastructure advisory, investment, project development and operations across Asia, West Asia and Africa, covering projects with an aggregate value of approximately USD12 billion, including capital structuring, operational delivery and stakeholder management in regulated and capital-intensive sectors.
She previously served as First Vice President for the Water Business of Aboitiz Infracapital and as President of Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., where she led the development, commissioning and operations of a large-scale bulk water supply project and prior to this was with Atkins Acuity in Singapore and Dubai, advising governments, private sector clients and multilateral institutions on project development, transaction advisory and policy frameworks.
She is a member of the Philippine Bar and previously served as Director for Legal at the PPP Center of the Philippines and as a Court Attorney at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, AirAsia Cambodia
Vissoth is Chief Executive Officer & General Manager of AirAsia Cambodia, where he set up and established the airline from inception and leads its growth with a focus on commercial discipline, operational execution and affordable connectivity.
Prior to this appointment, he built experience across public institutions, finance and aviation. His early professional exposure included work with the National Bank of Cambodia and the International Monetary Fund, which helped shape his understanding of economic policy, financial management and institutional governance. He later moved into aviation, where he took on responsibilities spanning strategy, commercial development, stakeholder engagement and market expansion.
Under his leadership, AirAsia Cambodia has grown from a start-up operation into a profitable carrier within a short period, reflecting disciplined execution and sound financial stewardship.
In 2026, he was named to the Young Global Leaders, Class of 2026 by the World Economic Forum. He also serves on the board of the Cambodia Tourism Board, supporting the development of Cambodia's tourism and aviation ecosystem.
