Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) president and group CEO Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar was appointed to the board of governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on June 12, 2026, during IATA's 82nd annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [1, 2].
Nasaruddin will serve a three-year term on the board until 2029 [1, 2]. IATA represents more than 370 airlines that account for around 85% of global air traffic [1, 2]. As a board member, Nasaruddin will provide strategic oversight and policy direction for IATA's industry committees and subsidiary bodies, helping shape the future of global aviation [1, 2].
Currently, Nasaruddin chairs the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines executive committee and serves on the oneworld governance board [1, 2]. Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, non-executive director of MAG and Malaysia Airlines, congratulated Nasaruddin and praised his expertise and leadership in the aviation sector. He said, "I am confident that he will bring valuable insight and perspective to the board, further strengthening Malaysia’s voice in global aviation and supporting the continued advancement of the industry" [1].
Nasaruddin himself said he looks forward to working with fellow governors to "contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue and policy direction that will strengthen industry resilience, accelerate innovation, and advance a more sustainable and connected future for air transport worldwide" [1].
Nasaruddin's appointment to the IATA board marks a significant leadership role for Malaysia in international aviation affairs and will continue through 2029 [1, 2].
