Christoph Mueller, Malaysia Airlines chief executive, will headline World Travel Market London’s aviation programme for 2015.
Dubbed ‘The Terminator’ in media reports, based on his reputation for cutting jobs, Mueller (pictured) has been tasked with overhauling the Malaysian flag carrier.
In March 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared with 239 passengers and crew on board. Four months later, 298 passengers and crew perished when flight MH17 was shot down while in Ukrainian airspace.
At WTM London 2015, Mueller will discuss how he is dealing with the challenges facing Malaysia Airlines, which he previously described as “technically bankrupt”.
The announcement comes as the carrier’s holding company reforms as Malaysia Airlines Berhad, which replaces Malaysian Airline System Berhad from today (1 September).
Mueller, who became chief executive in May 2015, has reduced the airline’s workforce to about 14,000 – axing about 6,000 jobs – and is expected to cut unprofitable long-haul routes.
The German chief executive has previously held senior roles at Aer Lingus, Belgium’s Sabena and Lufthansa.
“Mueller must have one of the toughest assignments in corporate history,” said aviation expert John Strickland. “Aside from the twin tragedies of 2014, Malaysian had been losing money and struggled with inefficiency, intense competition and political challenges.”
“The airline made a bold move to appoint a non-Malaysian as chief executive, but Mueller is a seasoned industry executive with a successful track record, so it will be fascinating to hear how he is taking on this challenge and how his previous experience may help,” he added.
Mueller’s keynote interview, to be conducted by Strickland, will take place from 2-3pm on 4 November at WTM 2015’s Platnium Suite.
The event’s aviation programme also features an airline industry panel on 3 November from 10.30-11.30am.
World Travel Market London 2015, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, will take place at London ExCeL from 2-5 November.
