AirAsia X Appoints Commercial Director

AirAsia X has appointed Dato’ Bernard Francis as Commercial Director.

Dato’ Bernard Francis has 14 years experience in the aviation industry with revenue management and sales and marketing expertise.

Prior to AirAsia X, Bernard was the Commercial Director for Indonesia AirAsia. Under his leadership, Indonesia AirAsia posted a revenue of IDR4,360.13 billion (up 18% y-o-y), a 136% increase in operating profit of IDR352.89 billion, which led to a commendable 129% increase in profit after tax of IDR142.12 billion for the year ended 2012.

Throughout his experience, he has held the positions of Executive Vice President Network & Revenue Management and Executive Vice President Global Sales & Marketing, Malaysia Airlines, Regional Director Network & Revenue Management & Sales, AirAsia Berhad and Investment Analyst with YTL Corporation Berhad.

Bernard holds an MBA of International Business from Universiti Malaya and B.A Hons from National University of Malaysia.

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “We are thrilled to have Dato’ Bernard onboard, as he brings a wealth of commercial airline experience. Complemented with his senior commercial experience in both LCCs and full-service airlines, including long-haul routes, we look forward to Dato’ Bernard injecting vigor and creativity as we push to cross the US$1 billion annual revenue mark in 2014 – cementing our position as the global leader in the long-haul LCC space”

Bernard will oversee and drive the Commercial Department of AirAsia X which consist of Revenue Management, Sales & Distribution, Marketing, Communication & Events, Branding, Route & Network Planning and Ancillary Revenue.