'Zero interference' - Bellew clarifies his reasons for exiting Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) CEO Peter Bellew has finally spoken out regarding his leaving MAB and rejoining former employer, Ryanair.

Bellew today published a statement in his personal capacity, that was first distributed through WhatsApp to media members, clarifying the reasons for his exit.

Using the terms “negaraku” and “national service” in his statement, Bellew said the “love for country” is why he decided to return to Ryanair, adding that the airline needs his help and has a “big challenge” ahead.

An announcement by the Irish airline statement to the London Stock Exchange yesterday confirmed that Bellew will be rejoining them as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Bellew also took the opportunity to urge everyone to not change the brand of Malaysia Airlines.

“Much work has been done globally through the media and travel agents to rebuild our heritage.

“People love what Malaysia Airlines stands for. The brand is now revived from China to the UK and down to Australia,” his statement read.

He also expressed confidence that success is just within the grasp of the national carrier.

“Just another 4 to 5 per cent in revenue monthly and it should move to profits. Not always easy to gain but in the second quarter revenue increased 7 per cent.

“The product is improving visibly -- new wide body planes, new lounges, new loyalty program, new website and better operations in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

But perhaps the most important part of Bellew’s statement is to address reports which claim that government interference had allegedly pushed him out.

“Let me be clear. Khazanah is a Malaysian investment company linked to the Government. They have been incredibly supportive to me personally and corporately.

“I cannot thank them enough for accelerating our transformation. Tan Sri Azman could not have been more supportive. Terima kasih Khazanah,” he said.

Below is the response from Bellew:

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From Peter Bellew

This is a personal response and not on behalf of Malaysia Airlines corporately. It is not from MAB comms department. I hope to answer some questions I was asked overnight.

Malaysia Airlines is special. Not just an airline but one of the earliest symbols of the vibrancy of this amazing country. People who have never flown in their life love it. Most of the country hopes it will thrive and be the Pride of the Nation again. It is a tough job to fix it.

Success is just within our grasp. Just another 4-5% in revenue monthly and it should move to profits. Not always easy to gain but in the second quarter revenue increased 7%. The product is improving visibly: new widebody planes, new lounges, new loyalty program, new website and better operations in Kuala Lumpur. Still some work needed on the food! Lots done – lots more to do.

Please don’t change the brand! Much work has been done globally through the media and travel agents to rebuild our heritage. People love what Malaysia Airlines stands for. The brand is now revived from China to the UK and down to Australia. That work must continue and will yield the 5%+ revenue growth.

There have been news reports about Khazanah. Let me be clear. Khazanah is a Malaysian investment company linked to the Government. They have been incredibly supportive to me personally and corporately. I tried to be transparent on a daily basis, included them in most significant meetings and dragged their staff to work for us! It has worked well. There has been no interference. Although possibly I drove Khazanah mad with my constant questions and wish for consensus. I cannot thank them enough for accelerating our transformation. Tan Sri Azman could not have been more supportive. Terima kasih Khazanah.

People always ask me how do I cope with Government interference. There has been none for me. Zero interference.

So why am I leaving. Negaraku. Love for country is pulling me back to Ireland. I got a call from Ryanair late evening two weeks ago to be COO. It is Ireland’s greatest company. They need my help and there is a big challenge. It is a form of national service. When I was asked on 27th Sept would I go to Ryanair I said no. But a week later the call came and in life we can really never say never. I am looking forward to being close again to my family and friends 14 hours away in Ireland.