DEPUTY permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pg Hj Alihashim Pg Hj Yussof, has been appointed as the acting chief executive officer of Royal Brunei Airlines, according to a press statement from the national carrier.

The board of directors of Royal Brunei Airlines yesterday announced that Ray Sayer has stepped down as CEO effective February 2, 2009, and has been appointed to the position of advisor for special projects to the chairman of the board of directors from February 2 to April 20, 2009.

"Board of Directors Chairman Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng thanked Sayer for his contribution to the improvement of the on-time performance of the company and better regional schedules for connectivity into and out of Brunei," the statement added.