Singapore-based Jetstar Asia has tapped a former chief financial officer as its new CEO.
Barathan Pasupathi will take over on July 2, replacing Chong Phit Lian, who stepped down February 1 after six years heading the budget airline. Former Jetconnect head Paul Daff will serve as Jetstar Asia interim CEO until Barathan starts work.
Barathan served as Jetstar Asia’s CFO between 2004 and 2007 before moving to Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways and later to a German oil company in Singapore.
Qantas owns a 49 per cent share of Jetstar Asia, which posted a pre-tax profit of S$18 million (A$14m) last financial year, its best result since it began service in 2004. The carrier faces rising competition, however, in the form of Malaysia based AirAsia, Singapore Airlines-backed Tiger Airways and SIA’s new budget start up, Scoot.
Qantas announced plans this week to launch another Jetstar franchise in Hong Kong under a joint venture with China Eastern Airlines.
