Former AirAsiaExpedia CEO Kathleen Tan has rejoined AirAsia Group’s core airline business unit as president of North Asia operations.
Tan will be responsible for driving AirAsia expansion in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Tan turned round the AirAsiaExpedia joint venture from a loss making business within two years of taking the helm in 2013.
Prior to this she served as regional head of commercial and senior vice president of China at AirAsia, and was instrumental in pioneering its now well known free seat promotions as far back as 2005.
AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes said of Tan: "She made sure we were the first low-cost carrier to fly to China and built a strong network of 14 hubs there. Today, China contributes nearly 40% of our revenue but there is still a lot to do in North Asia."
"It is an important long-haul market that will take on greater significance once AirAsia Japan launches, and I couldn’t think of anyone more suited than Kathleen to drive our business there."
