Captain Suresh, a seasoned pilot with nearly 30 years of experience, most recently served as group director of flight operations at AirAsia’s parent company and has been with the airline since 2003.
As the airline plans for growth, it is looking to expand its fleet to 19 planes in 2025, aiming to maintain a strong 90 percent load factor while meeting rising demand for travel.
In 2024, AirAsia Philippines flew almost seven million passengers, and the airline wants to build on that momentum as it invests in digital services and new offerings for passengers.
New CEO to tackle rising costs, supply chain problems
Suresh will work closely with Ricky Isla, who will stay on as chief advisor during the handover period, ensuring a smooth transition.
“In this role, I am committed to leading our talented team of Allstars to elevate our operations while raising the bar on the end-to-end guest experience,” Bangah said in a statement.
“We’re firmly aligned with national efforts to grow the aviation and tourism sectors—from meeting rising demand for travel to supporting connectivity and infrastructure developments that will shape the future of travel in the Philippines,” he said.
“At the same time, we remain focused on addressing key external challenges—including global supply chain delays affecting aircraft maintenance, rising fuel costs, higher airport charges, and environmental factors that can impact operations,” he added.
AirAsia Group management’s view
“Captain Suresh steps into this role at an important juncture. As AirAsia progresses into our next chapter, the Philippines remains a key pillar in our regional strategy—with strong potential in inter-island connectivity and broader regional integration into Asean and North Asia, among others,” said Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group.
“With extensive management and industry experience—particularly in upholding the gold standard in safety and operational excellence, and a deep commitment to guest-centricity and Allstar values, Captain Suresh is well placed to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor, Ricky Isla,” Lingam added.
