Veteran pilot Captain Dexter Comendador has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the Philippine unit of low-cost carrier AirAsia.
Comendador joined AirAsia in 2011 and served as chief pilot for operations, director of flight operations, and chief operating officer. He was appointed as interim chief executive officer in July last year, replacing Joy Caneba.
Comendador, a cum laude graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, has over 33 years of experience in the aviation industry and is a recipient of 26 service medals, including two Gold Crosses for bravery and successful combat operations.
He also served as combat pilot, flight commander, and pilot instructor in the Philippine Air Force for eight years before becoming a commercial pilot in 1992.
“He is a Filipino hero pilot, a home-grown talent with the extraordinary ability to connect and inspire people and ideas, capable of driving change and innovation in the Philippines,” AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said.
Fernandes, in a message posted on AirAsia Philippines’ Facebook page, said 2016 is the “best ever year” in the airline’s Philippine operations with “fantastic load factors.” He stated there will be more new routes and seat sales to be offered this year.
