Kuwait’s low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced a new Chief Executive Officer as former Chief Financial Officer Barathan Pasupathi returns to take over from Rohit Ramachandran.

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier has announced that the airline’s current Chief Executive Officer, Rohit Ramachandran, will be stepping down after over seven successful years with the organisation.

In a press statement, the airline says that Barathan Pasupathi (Bara), who had earlier been with Jazeera Airways as its Chief Financial Officer, will be the new Chief Executive Officer effective March 26. The statement adds that Bara comes with over 30 years of experience in aviation, oil and gas, and supply chain management. His aviation industry experience spans key finance, management, and operations functions for airlines as well as aircraft procurement and leasing.

“Rohit has been a strong, visionary and passionate leader, and a true champion of our brand and our people. He has led Jazeera in its enormous chapter of growth and delivered solid and robust results with a deep commitment to operational excellence while building shareholder value, which is deeply respected by industry peers. During his tenure and by forging strong strategic relationships with key stakeholders, supported by the strength of our outstanding Jazeera teams, Jazeera tripled its fleet. Under his leadership, the airline expanded into 65 destinations, hit record passenger volumes, achieved unsurpassed results, and initiated a purpose built, profitable Jazeera Terminal 5,’’ says Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways.

“I am particularly grateful for the way Rohit helped navigate Jazeera through the pandemic, ensuring we are set up for future success. The business is now in a strong and resilient position and well placed to navigate the next chapter as we look towards the order book of 26 A320neo and A321neo aircraft. I would like to thank Rohit for his exceptional contribution to Jazeera over many years,’’ adds Boodai.

According to the airline, Bara, a former Jazeera Airways CFO was instrumental in the setup of Sahaab Aircraft Leasing and served as its CFO from 2007 to 2010. “He is a fantastic leader and joins Jazeera Airways with over three decades of aviation experience, including a deep knowledge of safety as well as operational and customer leadership especially in growing markets. Bara’s appointment provides continuity to the business and strong leadership to Jazeera Airways as we continue an exciting chapter of growth at the airline,” says Boodai.

The statement adds that prior to Jazeera Airways, Bara’s most recent role was CEO of Jetstar Asia, a Qantas Group airline based in Singapore for more than a decade. He was the founding CFO of Jetstar Asia in 2004 and served as CFO at Jazeera Airways and Jazeera Airport Services Company, previously Sahaab Aircraft Leasing, from 2007 to 2010. Before that, he also headed the German independent oil trading group, Mabanaft in Singapore as Managing Director. Among his significant achievements are the acquisition and merger of Valuair in Singapore.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Jazeera for the past seven years, and it is bittersweet to say goodbye to this airline that I love. Along with the team, I am proud of what we have accomplished and I feel very lucky to have worked at an airline with a culture and team unlike any other in the world. I will always feel part of the Jazeera team, and will be cheering for its continued success. As the outcome of a rigorous Board-mandated succession process, I am very confident that the appointment of Bara as CEO will ensure that Jazeera achieves new milestones in operational standards, customer experience, and growth. He is passionate about people and I know that the team will enjoy working with him,” says Ramachandran, the outgoing CEO.

“Jazeera Airways is an incredible airline and I am exceptionally pleased to be joining Jazeera at an exciting chapter to leading its passionate and talented people as it pursues growth, strong performance and operational and customer excellence. My focus will be to continue the exciting journey that Jazeera has started, making travel accessible and affordable in Kuwait and all the markets it serves while building capacity and constantly innovating to keep offering great low fares to amazing destinations across the region,’’ says Pasupathi.

“I am looking forward to leading the Jazeera Airways team and continuing to deliver growth, great experiences for our customers and strong results for our shareholders,” he adds.