Leaders watching the bottom line help SIA stay on top

Singapore's aviation sector has become what it is today thanks to the collective collaborative efforts of both the public and private sectors over the last few decades (Bold steps needed for S'pore's aviation sector to keep flying high; June 19).

This has granted us a head start against our regional competitors.

But we must not become complacent.

We must continue to strengthen the meritocratic system of having the best man for the job.

This should be measured not merely in terms of academic prowess, but in the delivery of actual results.

At the end of the day, it is the bottom line that determines whether the company sinks or survives.

Maintaining this pragmatic approach when selecting the leadership has allowed Singapore Airlines to stay profitable.

This is in sharp contrast to some other national carriers that are recording losses and are heavily dependent on government subsidies just to survive.

Lionel Loi Zhi Rui

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 20, 2017, with the headline Leaders watching the bottom line help SIA stay on top. Subscribe