KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 21): AirAsia Bhd’s aircraft leasing unit, Asia Aviation Capital Ltd, appointed Simon Perkins as deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer.

In a statement today, budget airline AirAsia said Perkins' appointment would be effective this Oct 1. AirAsia said Perkins, a British national, had a strong background in accounting, risk management and banking operations, with 20 years of experience in the commercial and banking/leasing industries in Asia and Europe.

"In his most recent role as Standard Chartered Bank's head of Asia Pacific aviation finance based in Singapore, Perkins was responsible for building the bank's Asian aviation finance business from inception into a multi-billion dollar business.

"His team originated and executed aircraft operating leases, multi-currency debt financing and provided aviation advisory services, including financing strategies and sales of aircraft for more than 150 aircraft, during the eight-year period," AirAsia said.

At 11:22 a.m. today, AirAsia shares were traded nine sen or 3.33% higher at RM2.79, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM7.76 billion. The stock saw some 10 million shares transacted.