Vietnam Airlines has announced the appointment of Duong Tri Thanh as the national flag-carrier’s new president and chief executive officer.

Thanh takes over the position from Pham Ngoc Minh, who has assumed the role of chairman after a highly successful eight year presidency during which he oversaw a transformative period of growth and expansion for the company.

A member of the board, and chairman of the board of Jetstar Pacific Airlines, since 2012, Thanh has demonstrated passion and acumen in contributing to the development of Vietnam Airlines since joining the company in 1990.

Most recently, he spearheaded the implementation of a programme to upgrade the airline’s service levels to international four-star standards, and also led a restructuring of Jetstar Pacific Airlines which strengthened its performance and delivered profitability for the first time - its best business performance in the 24 years since the company was established.

Thanh said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as president and chief executive, and privileged to take responsibility for leading Vietnam Airlines towards its goal of becoming one of the leading global airlines in Asia.

“Together with the ministry of transport, Vietnam Airlines’ general assembly of shareholders and the airline’s management board, I have set specific targets for the period 2016-2020, with particular focus on three key objectives: safety, quality and efficiency.

“I am also looking forward to building on the strategic partnership with our new foreign shareholder ANA Holdings.”