Low-cost carrier Jetstar has appointed Ho Yuen Sang as the first chief operating officer of Singapore-based Jetstar Asia.

Ho was formerly deputy president and chief operating officer of maintenance, repair and overhaul firm ST Aerospace, and has worked with the Singapore Technologies group for 26 years.

"Mr Ho brings to Jetstar a wealth of aviation engineering, maintenance and operational experience, in addition to superior management skills from his extensive board management experience across a wide spectrum of jurisdictions," says the carrier.

Jetstar Asia's CEO Chong Phit Lian says: "As Jetstar expands its Pan Asian footprint, we are focusing on building our expertise and skill base here in Singapore, the brand's Asian hub. Mr Ho's skills and experience will play a critical role in our expansion and the development of our centre of excellence in Singapore."

Ho's appointment follows a slew of senior management changes at Jetstar last month, as part of plans by the Qantas Airways subsidiary to grow its presence in Asia.

Jetstar Asia, which plans to launch long-haul operations out of Singapore, will recruit over 100 new staff in the country for new positions such as flight and cabin crew, engineers and technicians.

The new staff will also help support the additional two Airbus A320 aircraft joining the fleet of 10 this year, says Jetstar.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news