Air Jamaica has appointed Michael Conway as the company’s new chief executive. Co-founder of America West Airlines and National Airlines, Conway now leads Air Jamaica at the company headquarters in Kingston.

Michael Conway, CEO of Air Jamaica said: “I am delighted to have been appointed into this role. I have considerable aviation experience and hope to continue the stabilisation and turn-around of Air Jamaica, Jamaica’s national airline in the current challenging and competitive environment.”

The new appointments follow a challenging period in Air Jamaica’s 36-year history. As with other airlines, Air Jamaica has had to face not only massive increases in fuel prices but also intense competition from a number of low cost airlines. The company recently successfully implemented the restructuring of Air Jamaica’s finances and the development of a new long-term business strategy.

The chairman of the newly appointed, Air Jamaica board, O.K Melhado, said: “Mike’s vast experience and successful track record in the operation of major commercial airlines in the United States make him the ideal choice for this role. We are delighted to have him onboard and feel confident that under his leadership Air Jamaica will go forward with the best and most up-to-date business practices whilst continuing to provide excellent customer service.

Conway co-founded America West Airlines in 1981. Still with America West, he went on to become the youngest CEO of a major airline in 1991, going on to restructure the company, leading to record profitability. In 1995 he became the senior founder of National Airlines, where he was CEO, President and Chairman.

He developed the airline’s concept and strategy, raised its initial capital of over $2 billion and recruited its senior management team. Since the closure of National Airlines due to the events of 9/11, Michael has been a senior adviser to an international investment and restructuring bank.
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