Malaysia Airlines says will choose new chief on merit
KUALA LUMPUR (XFNews) - Malaysia Airlines stated it will choose the "best candidate" to head the national carrier after reports saying it is looking for a foreign CEO sparked a storm of controversy.
Eight consortia are in the running -- including Singapore's Changi Airport, Aeroports de Paris and Malaysian Airports.
They have partnered with domestic firms such as telecoms giant Bharti, construction firm Larsen and Toubro, and the largest private group, Reliance.
The ministry released final bidding documents Tuesday, giving the contenders a maximum of two weeks to submit their final proposals for the airport revamps, which are expected to cost 1.24 bln usd.
"As soon as the bids are in, we will start the process of evaluation," civil aviation secretary Ajay Prasad told reporters. "We are trying to award the contracts before the end of this year."
But Malaysia Airlines said the reports were "based on speculation".
It added that the board of directors of the company would carry out its responsibilities with a duty of care and in the airline's best interests.
After reporting disappointing first quarter to June results, Malaysia Airlines announced an ambitious five-year plan to boost profits by up to 1.0 bln rgt, including shaking up its management.