Jazeera Airways Appoints Barathan Pasupathi as CEO

Dark/Light Mode (06/03/24)  Jazeera Airways, a Kuwait-based low-cost carrier, has confirmed that Rohit Ramachandran, the current CEO, will be stepping down after over seven successful years with the organization.

Rohit will be succeeded by Barathan (Bara) Pasupathi, a former CFO of Jazeera Airways, effective 26 March 2024.

Bara has over 30 years of experience in aviation, oil and gas, and supply chain management. His aviation industry experience spans key finance, management, and operations functions for airlines as well as aircraft procurement and leasing.

During Rohit’s tenure with the airline, Jazeera tripled its fleet and expanded into 65 destinations, hit record passenger volumes, achieved unsurpassed results, and initiated a purpose built, profitable Jazeera Terminal 5.

Barathan (Bara) Pasupathi with Rohit Ramachandran (right)

“Rohit has been a strong, visionary and passionate leader, and a true champion of our brand and our people. He has led Jazeera in its enormous chapter of growth and delivered solid and robust results with a deep commitment to operational excellence while building shareholder value, which is deeply respected by industry peers.  I would like to thank Rohit for his exceptional contribution to Jazeera over many years,” said Marwan Boodai, Jazeera Airways Chairman. “Bara, a former Jazeera Airways CFO was instrumental in the setup of Sahaab Aircraft Leasing and served as its CFO from 2007 to 2010. He is a fantastic leader and joins Jazeera Airways with over three decades of aviation experience, including a deep knowledge of safety as well as operational and customer leadership especially in growing markets. Bara’s appointment provides continuity to the business and strong leadership to Jazeera Airways as we continue an exciting chapter of growth at the airline.”

Prior to Jazeera Airways, Bara’s most recent role was CEO of Jetstar Asia, a Qantas Group airline based in Singapore for more than a decade.

He was the founding CFO of Jetstar Asia in 2004 and served as CFO at Jazeera Airways and Jazeera Airport Services Company (previously Sahaab Aircraft Leasing) from 2007 to 2010.

Before that, he also headed the German independent oil trading group, Mabanaft in Singapore as Managing Director.

One of his many significant achievements is the acquisition and merger of Valuair in Singapore.

“Jazeera Airways is an incredible airline and I am exceptionally pleased to be joining Jazeera at an exciting chapter to leading its passionate and talented people as it pursues growth, strong performance and operational and customer excellence,” said Bara. “My focus will be to continue the exciting journey that Jazeera has started, making travel accessible and affordable in Kuwait and all the markets it serves while building capacity and constantly innovating to keep offering great low fares to amazing destinations across the region. I am looking forward to leading the Jazeera Airways team and continuing to deliver growth, great experiences for our customers and strong results for our shareholders.”

See also: John Simeone Appointed CEO of Jetstar Asia.

Latest exclusive video interviews: Future of Air Travel - Interview with Sumesh Patel, President of SITA Asia Pacific; Miss International Queen 2024 (MIQ 2024) - Interview with Alisa Phanthusak, MD, Tiffany's Show Pattaya, Thailand; 16 HD Video Interviews from Routes Europe 2024 in Aarhus, Denmark; 9 HD Video Interviews from Routes Asia 2024 in Langkawi, Malaysia; Standard to Open Residences in Hua Hin and Phuket, Thailand; Video Interview with Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman; 9 Exclusive Video Interviews from ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos; 8 NTO Press Conferences from ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos; 13 HD Video Interviews from World Travel Market 2023 in London, England; 5 HD Video Interviews from APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco, France; and 15 HD Video Interviews from Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye.