AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL) announces the appointment of Captain Suresh Bangah as president and chief executive officer of AirAsia Philippines as the airline embarks on a new era of sustainable growth.
A seasoned aviation professional with almost 30 years of experience, including over 14 years in senior leadership roles across the AirAsia Group, Captain Suresh brings extensive operational expertise and a strong leadership track record within the AirAsia ecosystem and beyond. He succeeds Ricky Isla, who retires after six years at the helm and will continue to serve as chief advisor to the general manager during the leadership transition.
Captain Suresh most recently served as group director of flight operations at AAAGL, and previously held key roles at AirAsia X Berhad (AAX) including Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations.
He began his career with AirAsia in 2003 as a first officer, pilot instructor as well as an Auditor. He was also flight deck recruitment officer in AirAsia Berhad and Chief Pilot of Operations, AAX in 2010 to director of flight operations, AAX in 2013.
Group chief executive officer of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam, said: “Captain Suresh steps into this role at an important juncture for AirAsia Philippines. With extensive industry experience, especially in setting the gold standard on safety and operational excellence and longstanding commitment to AirAsia’s values, he is well-placed to build on the strong foundations laid by Ricky Isla. Under Ricky’s leadership, the airline navigated one of the most turbulent chapters in aviation history during the pandemic, stabilising operations, keeping our people anchored and restoring confidence in the brand. We thank him for his steady leadership and are grateful that he will continue to support the transition as chief advisor.
“As AirAsia progresses into our next chapter, the Philippines remains a key pillar in our regional strategy—with strong potential in inter-island connectivity, and broader regional integration into North Asia and ASEAN, working towards a medium to longer term plan to deliver affordable connectivity to the Middle East and West Coast of the US. I’m confident that under Suresh’s stewardship, the airline will continue to grow sustainably and serve our guests with the operational excellence they deserve.”
AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Captain Suresh Bangah “I am honoured to serve at the helm of AirAsia Philippines and look forward to working with the AirAsia Aviation Group and AirAsia Philippines board members, Group CEO Bo Lingam, Ricky and the local team in one of our core markets to champion a new era of sustainable and profitable growth for the future. With experience both in the cockpit and in senior leadership roles with AirAsia X and the AirAsia Group, I am deeply committed to elevating every aspect of our operations as we continue to focus on providing the very best in terms of safe, affordable and reliable air travel with inflight experience excellence for all Filipinos.”
Operational Excellence: Delivering the Best Experience to Guests
The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline expects to expand its operational fleet to 19 aircraft this year to meet robust market demand. Alongside this development, the airline sets a load factor target of 90 percent and will continue with its demand-led network optimization initiative to drive sustainable and profitable growth.
While pursuing these targets, AirAsia remains vigilant in mitigating external challenges including global supply chain disruptions creating delays in aircraft maintenance; rising operational costs due to fuel pricing volatility, environmental hazards and increased airport fees and charges since last year.
“These challenges become opportunities when industry stakeholders engage in open communication, collaboration and alignment. AirAsia will actively seek platforms for dialogues, advocating shared solutions and forging strong partnerships with both government and private sector stakeholders—all in pursuit of delivering the world’s best service to our guests,” added Bangah.
Commitment to Democratizing Air Travel Across Asean and Beyond
Staying true to our brand promise of making air travel accessible, AirAsia continues to leverage on various double-digit promo fares and P1SO sales to serve our diverse guest profiles—from students and young professionals with dreams of new adventures, to overseas Filipino workers coming home, and families simply returning to their provinces.
With the widest network across ASEAN and beyond, spanning more than 130 destinations, AirAsia Philippines is poised to bring people closer to what matters most.
People at the Core of our Purpose
The airline’s ability to deliver exceptional service and operational excellence is rooted in its people, the Allstars. As aviation evolves, so must the growth and development of our workforce. This means creating more meaningful career opportunities, particularly for cabin crew and pilots, whilst building a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion, welcoming more female pilots to the airline..
Captain Suresh adds, “AirAsia’s strength lies in its people. I am deeply humbled to be given the opportunity to lead highly talented, well-meaning and energetic Filipino Allstars (employees). As the new CEO, they can count on a leadership that is anchored on integrity, credibility, and accountability, ensuring that the cogs and gears—people, machines and technology work in harmony to create meaningful journeys for Filipinos.”
