27 June 2007
Dubai: RAK Airways has lost its new chief executive after only four months on the job, according to company sources.
Kishu Teckchandani is the second CEO to helm RAK Airways, which began charter flights to Turkey last week and has set its latest target for commercial launch in October.
RAK Airways is based in Ras Al Khaimah and is the fourth airline located in the UAE.
Teckchandani, a veteran civil aviation official from India, took the reins in late February from former chief executive Jack Romero, who was let go when it became clear the company's commercial operations would be delayed by several months.
No reasons were given to Gulf News for the sudden departure, but personnel executives said the company has since reorganised its management structure, with the chief operating officer now in charge of directing the company.
RAK Airways had originally planned a launch by late 2006.
But the airline was delayed by months in obtaining its air operator's certificate.
The airline has opted to provide a full-service carrier with business and economy classes, instead of the low-cost carrier model, which has grown in popularity in the region.
As recently as May, Teck-chandani had said RAK Airways was still negotiating air traffic rights with India and Iran, two countries that figure prominently in its planned network.
Khater Massaad, managing director of RAK Airways and CEO of RAK Investments Authority, told local media this week that the airline has begun regular charter flights to Turkey and possibly other destinations in the Med-iterranean.
The airline operates one Boeing 757 and intends to acquire two to three Boeing 737-800s.
By Ivan Gale
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
