Malaysia Airlines: Ryanair’s statement on Bellew ‘unexpected’

MAS chief executive Peter Bellew welcomes Liverpool FC to the Malaysia Airlines family. RAYMOND OOI/ The Star.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd board appears to have been taken by surprise by Ryanair Holdings PLC’s announcement to the London Stock Exchange regarding its chief executive officer Peter Bellew rejoining the Irish low-cost carrier.

Below is Malaysia Airlines’ full statement to the media:

MEDIA STATEMENT REGARDING PETER BELLEW

KLIA, 17 October 2017: Malaysia Airlines takes note of the unexpected announcement by RyanAir Holdings PLC to the London Stock Exchange regarding CEO Peter Bellew.

At a press conference with Malaysian and international media on 27 September 2017, Bellew had expressed his commitment to Malaysia Airlines when asked to comment on speculation that he would re-join RyanAir. He said that he was happy to be in Malaysia and that the turnaround of Malaysia Airlines would be “the greatest achievement of my life”.

The Malaysia Airlines board of directors will meet and an announcement will be made in due course. Our operations and services continue as normal, and our commitment and priority remains with our customers. The turnaround of Malaysia Airlines remains on track and on schedule, as per the MAS Recovery Plan.

* See also Malaysia Airlines CEO Bellew to rejoin RyanAir as COO - report