AirAsia X dedicates aircraft to remember late COO

Anaz's family members stand in front of the plane decorated in memory of the late AirAsia X COO.

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X has dedicated an aircraft to remember their late chief operating officer Anaz Ahmad Tajuddin, who passed away on Jan 13 from cancer.

AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes filmed two Facebook live videos of the sombre event held on Tuesday, unveiling the aircraft with Anaz's smiling face on the fuselage together with the phrases "A truly passionate Allstar" and "Anaz the legend".

"We're here to give tribute to our wonderful staff Anaz, who left us all too quickly," said Fernandes in the video.

Anaz was 43 when he passed away.

Meanwhile, AirAsia X chief executive officer Ben Ismail said that the Airbus A330 aircraft was delivered about three weeks ago, and has since travelled to Japan, Australia and China.

"We are celebrating Anaz being one of the most important men in AirAsia," said Ben.

"As you can see, I dedicated one of our aircrafts to him. We love him. I love him," he added.

AirAsia executive chairman Kamarudin Meranun said they have gathered to remember "our dear brother Anaz" who was a "very passionate Allstar".

"It's happy because we still remember him but it's also a sad affair," said Kamarudin.

AirAsia chief executive officer Aireen Omar also commended the artistic touch on the plane.

"I will always remember Anaz," said Aireen.

Anaz's family and other AirAsia staff were also present at the event.