Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
17 May 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

For further information contact:
Rick Bettle Tel: 021 479 936
Russell Kilvington Tel: 04 560 9405

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Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation

Aviation specialist Steve Douglas has been appointed the next Director of Civil Aviation.

Mr Douglas is currently CAA General Manager Government Relations. He takes up the new appointment as Director on Friday June 1, succeeding Russell Kilvington (former Director of the sister agency Maritime New Zealand) who has held the role for an agreed, interim six-month period.

In announcing the appointment today, Chairman Rick Bettle said the Authority had been unanimous in its decision and was delighted to be in a position to appoint someone with such a long and distinguished career in aviation, both technically, and managerially.

"Mr Douglas is a former aircraft design engineer who, for the past 12 years, has held senior management roles within the CAA. We have particularly seen the impact of his expertise in the area of aviation rules and policy development, and in the evolution of the CAA's highly regarded international reputation," Mr Bettle said.

The Director of Civil Aviation is the Chief Executive of the agency. The position is directly accountable to the Authority's Board, and is responsible for day-to-day operation and running. The Director has several independent powers controlling entry into and exit from the New Zealand aviation industry.

Mr Bettle said Mr Douglas' reputation and experience made him a stand-out candidate for the role, and the continuity and consistency made possible by an internal appointment could not be underestimated.

"The CAA has come through a period of significant internal change. It has made and continues to make excellent safety progress, delivering significant reductions in fatalities and serious accidents across most sectors. There is still, however, much work to do.

"During this time of change, both our customers in the aviation industry and our staff will be reassured that a known quantity of such a high calibre is at the helm," Mr Bettle said.

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