KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 ― Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s current chief operating officer Captain Izham Ismail will replace Peter Bellew as chief executive officer, according to an official announcement by the airline today.

In a statement, MAB said that that Izham has been appointed as Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) designate with immediate effect.

"Captain Izham will assume the role of GCEO on December 1 2017 upon the departure of Peter Bellew who is currently on administrative leave.

"Captain Izham has been integral to the airline’s ongoing turnaround effort. As COO, he was responsible for the operations division, which includes flight and airport operations as well as engineering.  He led the restructuring of the engineering division for more efficient and leaner operations, and was also responsible for the airline’s fuel savings initiative,” MAB said.

The statement added that Izham’s appointment is in line with the 12-point MAS Recovery Plan (MRP), which provides for the "development and succession of Malaysian leadership talent.”

"To ensure a smooth transition, a Board Executive Committee will be in place for up to six months. It will be led by Chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and will include Board members Tan Sri Krishnan Tan Boon Seng, Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Isa and Mr. Sheranjiv Sammanthan.”

With 38 years of experience in the aviation industry, Izham broke world aviation records when he flew Malaysia Airlines’ first B777-200 eastward from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur and back.

The flight set new world records for longest flight and fastest round-the-world flight by a commercial airliner ― with a total flight time of 41 hours 59 minutes over a distance of 23,310 miles.

"I am extremely honoured to be entrusted with this position. My entire career has been spent with Malaysia Airlines and it is very much my family.  Helming the national airline is a big responsibility. I am humbled and at the same time, ready for the challenge.

"We are on track towards a full and complete transformation as outlined in the MRP, and I am looking forward to working with my MH colleagues to make this airline the pride of the nation again,” Izham said.

In a separate statement, Khazanah Nasional Berhad said that it fully supported Izham’s appointment and that the matter was discussed and approved by Khazanah chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"In this regard, the appointment of Captain Izham is in line with the succession plan that has been put in place at MAB,” Khazanah said.