Malaysia Airlines or MAS today announced that Tengku Azmil Zahruddin has been appointed as the new managing director/chief executive officer of the airline effective today.

Azmil will replace Idris Jala who has been appointed minister without portfolio in the Prime Minister's Department and as the chief executive officer of performance management and delivery unit (Pemandu).

NONE In a statement, MAS said Azmil who is the executive director/chief financial officer of MAS joined the national carrier in 2005 from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd.

Prior to this, he was attached to PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and Hong Kong.

MAS chairperson Dr Munir Majid said: "Over the past four years, Azmil and Idris have worked very closely together in steering the airline out of its financial crisis and setting the vision for MAS’ transformation into the world’s five star value carrier."

"We are pleased that Azmil has agreed to take up the leadership mantle. He has our full support and the support of our 19,000 strong employees. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation for change and achieve the impossible," he added.

Munir also praised Idris, saying he has been a "remarkable CEO."

"His vision and drive, his passion and his indefatigable energy coupled with his transformation principles, have changed MAS. He leaves behind a strong legacy, and people transformed.

"The MH family - the board, management and staff of MAS - wishes Idris all the best and knows that he will do a remarkable job in his new position. He will always have our full support," he added.

Idris: He's the right man for the job

Meanwhile, Aznil said that he enjoyed working with Idris tremendously.

"His guidance and wisdom have been invaluable, and his push to have the entire organisation anchored on the P&L (profit and loss) gives us a head start. The next few years will be challenging and we need to continue to build on the momentum that is already in place," he added.

NONE Idris, on the other hand, thanked the board, management and employees for the support given.

"It has been my privilege to serve MAS, and I am delighted to see how far all of us have come. The employees have stepped up to the toughest tasks, and together, we have already done the impossible.

"Azmil and I have been through thick and thin. He is absolutely the right man for the job, and I am confident that he will steer MAS to greater heights," he added.

On his appointment as a minister, Jala said it was an honour and would open a new chapter for him.

"Hopefully, I will be able to take my experience in transforming corporations into the civil service," he added.