That’s the question posed in a report by The Times of UK, on how his former employer Ryanair are said to be targetting him for a return to the company as its next chief operating officer.
Bellew left Ryanair, which is Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, in 2015 to join Malaysia Airlines as number two to Christoph Muller.
When the latter’s reign as CEO came to a premature end in mid-2016, Bellew took over and has helped in working towards the national carrier turning its fortunes around.
According to the UK daily, Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary wants Bellew to beef up its management in the wake of a recent controversy affecting the airline following complains of pilot shortages and cancelled flights.
O’Leary is hoping his former director of flight operations will takeover the COO role of Michael Hickey, who was speculated to have resigned over the airline’s recent problems.
According to the Times, airline industry analysts said that Bellew’s appointment would help soothe investor concerns over the airline’s response to operational problems.
However, the daily also reported that Bellew had already responded to speculation of an offer from Ryanair late last month, saying that he was “happy in Malaysia”.
“It would be the greatest achievement in my life if I could turn the airline around,” he was quoted as saying referring to his desire to remain in Malaysia Airlines.