Ex-AirAsia China president Kathleen Tan resurfaces at low-cost carrier MYAirline

AirAsia's former China president, Kathleen Tan (pictured), is now chief executive advisor of Malaysia's new low-cost carrier, MYAirline. According to MYAirline's LinkedIn page, the airline said its mission is to be the preferred and trusted airline providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable air travel while innovating through its technological agility.

With Malaysia's borders opened up and travel returning, MYAirline said it couldn't have entered the market at a better time when consumers need to fly with "a customer-centred airline equipped with the capabilities to do so with customer safety and satisfaction in mind". A check by A+M on LinkedIn found that there are currently 90 employees in the company.

Tan told A+M that it is truly an exciting time for her as she begins her journey in MYAirline. "I am involved in every touch point of the entire airline set-up as well as the commercial aspect of it. Albeit being born during the height of pandemic COVID-19, I believe we have what it takes to be successful. In this era of digitisation, MYAirline has invested a lot in the latest technology to ensure our passengers have seamless travel experience," she said.

Tan has a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, having joined AirAsia as regional head of commerce in 2004. She then became CEO of AAE Travel, a joint venture between AirAsia and Expedia, before taking on the role of president of North Asia. She stepped down as China president in 2018 and previously told A+M that she decided to "take a long break".

Now, she explained that she is ready to rock and roll in her new role after a four-year break. "With my wealth of knowledge and experiences especially in the aviation industry, I am ready to bring MYAirline to greater heights. I will steer and guide the team to make MYAirline a prominent brand as my past experiences in Expedia and AirAsia," she said.

According to Tan, one of her proudest moments as the president of AirAsia China was when the team successfully introduced low-cost travel in China and simultaneously created consumer demand in the largest market in the world.

"As a senior leader in MYAirline, I often coach the new generation of young Millennial leaders who will be the next future generation to lead the aviation space. I take pride in mentoring the women in MYAirline as well. One can’t deny the importance of women leaders these days. We are transformational in that we inspire not only our family at home but also our team at work. Exciting times ahead with MYAirline. Watch this space!" she added.

MYAirline made the news in January this year following approval by Malaysian Aviation Commission and enters a competitive low-cost carrier market, which currently sees AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines' Firefly dominate the segment. The new low-cost carrier's livery is red and grey and at the helm as CEO is Rayner Teo. 

According to Teo's LinkedIn, he is responsible for developing the overall concept, business plan and strategy for MYAirline. He also leads the strategic and commercial aspects of the business entity while promoting and supporting a safe, harmonious and producting woring environment for all MYAirline staff. Teo was previously commercial advisor at Thai VietJet and group head, sales and distribution at AirAsia.

It is also actively on the hunt for an external communications manager. The communications team is currently led by head of corporate communications Siti Maslinda Sheikh Othman, who was previously director at Angsana Training and Consulting, and head, group communications at Malaysia Development Bank.

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