Profile
Since joining Air Asia’s Engineering department in 2009, Mahesh has played an instrumental role in
various engineering projects. His collaborative effort has been vital in the defining and selection of
aircraft and engine types, as well as the setting up of AirAsia India Engineering and transforming Zest
Airways into AirAsia Philippines.
As chief executive officer of Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital A
–Mahesh Kumar is leading the transformation of AirAsia’s Engineering department into a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) service provider driven by data and technology which he has secured US$100 million investment in May 2023.
Prior to this appointment, Mahesh was the head of fleet and technical asset management for AirAsia
Group where he was in charge of all aircraft delivery, redelivery, disposal and leasing activities for
AirAsia Group. During that time, AirAsia sealed two major aircraft portfolio deals with BBAM and
Castlelake for a combined value of US$3.6bn.
In 2015, Mahesh was appointed as a pioneering senior vice president, technical and played a key role
in setting up Asia Aviation Capital, the aircraft leasing arm of AirAsia Group.
Mahesh has been described as the linchpin at AAB and ADE who succeeded in the gargantuan effort
to return the fleet back to operation after the pandemic, while at the same time launching the new
MRO (ADE) and continuing to be an instrumental player in AirAsia's lessor discussions in negotiating
the post pandemic aircraft leases of AirAsia Group and restructuring (362) A321neo order book with
Airbus.
Mahesh's diverse contributions have firmly established him as a significant figure in the aviation
industry, rightfully earning him a place in the Airline Economics 40 under 40 Class of 2023.
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