Malaysia Aviation Group CEO appointed to IATA board of governors

Dhaka: Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the holding company of Malaysia Airlines, has been appointed to the board of governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The appointment was made during IATA's 82nd annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bakar will serve a three-year term until 2029, joining global industry leaders in providing strategic oversight and policy direction for IATA, which represents over 370 airlines accounting for around 85 percent of global air traffic.

In this role, he will guide IATA's industry committees and subsidiary bodies on critical issues shaping the future of global aviation.

MAG and Malaysia Airlines non-executive director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir congratulated Bakar. He said the appointment reflects Bakar’s deep expertise, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the aviation industry.

"I am confident that he will bring valuable insight and perspective to the board, further strengthening Malaysia's voice in global aviation," Zahir said.

Bakar said he looks forward to contributing to strategic dialogue and policy direction that will strengthen industry resilience, accelerate innovation, and advance a more sustainable and connected future for air transport worldwide.

He currently also serves as chairman of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines executive committee and is a member of the Oneworld governance board.