How Idris Jala Transformed Malaysia Airlines: Insights from a CEO's Journey

Turning around a struggling airline: An interview with the CEO of Malaysia Airlines

When Idris Jala became CEO of Malaysia Airlines, his goal was to keep the carrier flying. Now he wants to create a new breed of air service. Much has happened in the intervening three years.

Jala came to Malaysia Airlines with no experience in the aviation industry or state-run companies. However, he had gained a reputation for engineering business turnarounds during his 23 years at the oil giant Shell, where he rescued its Sri Lankan and Malaysian units from years of chronic losses.

In this interview, Jala discusses the lessons he brought from Shell and how he addressed the urgent need for change upon his arrival at Malaysia Airlines.

A very interesting article indeed... this was published in the McKinsey Quarterly November issue. Please read on...

Regards,
Sowmini

I loved the way the whole turnaround has been described. It looks so simple by the description, but hats off to the Malaysian crew who would have toiled day and night under the stewardship of Mr. Idris Jala. He is truly a Management Guru. I see a style quite different and typical of the Malaysian style.

Thanks, Sowmini, for posting this.

Johny

Very true, Johny. These kinds of real-life situations not only educate us but also give us confidence to think of various options in a crisis and apply our minds towards "Change." No doubt, Idris Jala is a true leader.

Well said by you, Thanks, Johny.

Sowmini.

Dear All,

Season's Greetings.

It is truly reflected in the attachment. I have also witnessed the exceptional service provided by Malaysian Airlines. Their services are par excellence, and only a few airlines can match the service benchmark set up by them.

Hi Soumini,

It is a brave man who takes tough decisions and sticks to them. No soft play in the corporate dog-eat-dog world. Darwin's "survival of the fittest" is the F-word. Our government and the PSUs should be bold enough to do this. Now, who's going to bell the cat?

Thanks for a wonderful article.

Hi Soumini,

It is a brave man who takes tough decisions and sticks to them. No soft play in the corporate dog-eat-dog world. Darwin's "survival of the fittest" is the F-word. Our government and the PSUs should be bold enough to do this. Now, who's going to bell the Indian cat?

Thanks for a wonderful article.