PETALING JAYA: Capt Norazman Mahmud will be the new CEO for the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) effective Jan 1, 2023.

In a statement Friday (Dec 23), CAAM chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman said Capt Norazman has more than 30 years' experience in the aviation industry.

He was also the first pilot in Malaysia to be rated on the Airbus A350 aircraft.

"Following an extensive review conducted by the Authority Members of CAAM, recommendations were made to Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook, on the most suitable candidate to helm the CEO position. Hence, pursuant to Section 21 of Act 788, the Transport Minister appoints Capt Norazman Mahmud as the new CEO," said Mohd Khairul.

"CAAM will continue to build internal and external competencies and efficiencies in both the regulator and air navigation service's framework with no compromise to safety and security," he said in the statement.

Capt Norazman attained his pilot wings in 1990 and began his flying career with Malaysia Airlines in 1991.

He received training from the Civil Air Training Academy Australia and was later seconded to the Civil Aviation Department (DCA) in 2005.

During his extensive career with Malaysia Airlines, he had served as an examiner for B737, A330 and A350 aircraft.

Capt Norazman was appointed as the Chief Pilot Fleet Operations of Flight Operations at Malaysia Airlines from 2017 to 2020, where he was responsible for leading the efficiency of line operations and contributed in enhancing the flight operations process via technology transformation.

Prior to assuming the deputy CEO (Regulation) post, he was the flight operations director of CAAM.

Outgoing CEO Datuk Capt Chester Voo tendered his resignation in October, but CAAM members persuaded him to stay until Dec 31 to ensure a smooth handover.

Capt Voo told The Star on Friday (Dec 23) that he is happy to have left behind a solid structure in CAAM following his appointment in June 2020.