Jazeera Airways announces new CEO

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, has announced that the airline’s current Chief Executive Officer, Rohit Ramachandran, will be stepping down after over seven successful years with the organisation. Barathan Pasupathi (Bara), a former CFO of Jazeera Airways, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, effective March 26, 2024. Bara comes with 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. 

Speaking about this management change, Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways, said, “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. During his tenure and by forging strong strategic relationships with key stakeholders, supported by the strength of our outstanding Jazeera teams, Jazeera tripled its fleet. Under his leadership, the airline expanded into 65 destinations, hit record passenger volumes, achieved unsurpassed results, and initiated a purpose built, profitable Jazeera Terminal 5. I am particularly grateful for the way Rohit helped navigate Jazeera through the pandemic, ensuring we are set up for future success. The business is now in a strong and resilient position and well placed to navigate the next chapter as we look towards the order book of 26 A320neo and A321neo aircraft. I would like to thank Rohit for his exceptional contribution to Jazeera over many years."

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. Among his significant achievements are the acquisition and merger of Valuair in Singapore.