Kuala Lumpur, November 13 - In a landmark transition for Malaysia's aviation landscape, Captain Izham Ismail, the steadfast group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is set to retire on January 31, 2026, capping an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the skies. Izham's journey began in 1979 as a pilot with Malaysia Airlines, evolving into a tapestry of leadership roles that positioned him at the helm of MAG on December 1, 2017. As the longest-serving CEO of the national carrier since its 2014 recovery blueprint, Izham navigated Malaysia Airlines through unprecedented headwinds, including rigorous financial restructuring and the global paralysis inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. His visionary stewardship not only restored MAG to profitability but also fortified its operational resilience, ensuring the group emerged stronger as a cornerstone of Southeast Asian aviation. This retirement signals the end of an era for MAG leadership, where Izham's blend of piloting prowess and strategic acumen redefined sustainable airline operations in a volatile industry.
Succeeding Izham is Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, appointed as MAG's inaugural president and group chief executive officer effective February 1, 2026, in a role that evolves the group's executive structure to emphasize forward momentum. With more than three decades immersed in flight operations, management, and strategic initiatives within MAG, Nasaruddin embodies homegrown excellence. Most recently, as chief operating officer of Malaysia Airlines, he orchestrated transformative turnarounds, including the 2022 revival of MASwings and the deployment of profit-centric frameworks under the Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 (LTBP2.0). Nasaruddin's deep-rooted understanding of MAG's culture and ambitions positions him ideally to propel the organization forward, fostering seamless continuity amid evolving global demands on airline CEOs and aviation executives.
MAG's board, chaired by Khazanah Nasional Bhd's Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, expressed unwavering confidence in Nasaruddin's ability to elevate the group's stature in the competitive aviation sector. "Nasaruddin's appointment underscores our commitment to internal talent and strategic evolution," the board noted, highlighting his track record in driving efficiency and innovation. This succession aligns with MAG's broader vision, leveraging its robust financial footing, achieved under Izham, to invest in cutting-edge technologies and expanded route networks, all while prioritizing eco-friendly practices in sustainable aviation.
As MAG embarks on LTBP3.0, Nasaruddin will spearhead priorities centered on operational excellence, unparalleled customer experiences, and balanced growth across airlines like Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, alongside non-airline ventures. This era promises enhanced connectivity for travelers, bolstering Malaysia's role as a regional hub. Izham's legacy of grit and renewal, paired with Nasaruddin's operational savvy, heralds a promising horizon for MAG, where resilience meets ambition in the ever-dynamic world of aviation leadership.
