BUDGET carrier AirAsia Philippines has reshuffled its C-level managers and has appointed former telco executive Ricardo P. Isla as its new chief executive officer, replacing Dexter M. Comendador, who was then appointed as the airline’s chief operating officer.
Isla, who headed the European operations of PLDT Inc., is expected to steer AirAsia Philippines to profitability and network growth, AirAsia Philippines Chairman Marianne B. Hontiveros said.
“[He] has an outstanding track record of leading and transforming businesses, especially when it comes to increasing revenue and market share, customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Together with his telecommunications background and global experience, we are confident he will provide the right foundation to steer AirAsia Philippines to even greater heights,” she said.
She said giving Comendador the role of the company’s COO is a strategic move, given his credentials as a commercial pilot.
AirAsia Deputy Group CEO Bo Lingam said Isla’s appointment as CEO comes at a time when low-cost carrier growth in the Philippines hits an all-time high. “AirAsia is on the cusp of developing something really special for Filipinos, and I’m confident that under Ricky’s guidance we will be in the best position to up the ante on our mission to further revolutionize affordable air travel in the Philippines,” he said. Currently, AirAsia Philippines operates a fleet of 24 aircraft on more than 500 weekly domestic and international flights from its hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu and Kalibo.
Philippines AirAsia Inc., which is now controlled by lawmaker Michael L. Romero, netted P424.5 million in profits last quarter, a 12-percent increase from the year prior. Driving this growth is its 27-percent spike in revenues, which amounted to P6.68 billion, on the back of 22-percent increase in passengers.
From a net loss of P2.11 billion in 2018, Philippines AirAsia hopes to post a profit this year, with its revenues seen to reach P30 billion by year-end.