Air force chief joins S'pore Airlines

Air force chief joins S'pore Airlines

SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's air force chief Maj. Gen. Raymond Ng is to quit the military for a senior role with Singapore Airlines, the defense ministry and the airline announced on Monday.

The switch, which has been approved by the republic's President S.R. Nathan on the recommendation of Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, will see Ng become Singapore Airlines senior vice president for flight operations.

"The change is part of the continuing process of leadership renewal and to release talented officers to serve in other positions in the public and private sectors," the defense ministry said in a statement.

The government has a major stake in Singapore Airlines through its investment arm Temasek Holdings. Ng, who enlisted in 1974, will be replaced as air force chief by Brig. Gen. Lim Kim Choon, the current head of air operations and chief of air staff.