Hong Kong, Jan. 2 -- Early in the year, Japan Airlines (JAL) announced a major leadership transition, with chief executive Yoshiharu Ueki (65), the former pilot credited with leading the carrier's recovery post its humiliating bankruptcy, moved up to chairman of the board. Former chairman, Masaru Onishi, has retained a board seat. JAL managing executive officer engineering and maintenance, Yuji Akasaka, succeeded Ueki in April.
In Thailand, after a search of more than a year, Thai Airways International made a very unusual decision when it appointed government asset fund managing director, Sumeth Damrongchaitham, as the airline's president and CEO. He took up the position in August when he succeeded acting president, Usanee Sangsingkeo. Dha...