Sir Stephen Hillier, the former head of the RAF, has been announced as the new Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Hillier was head of the RAF from 2016 to 2019 having served with them for almost 40 years. He is a qualified pilot and flying instructor.
He was chosen by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps following an open competition to replace Dame Deirdre Hutton who steps down after 11 years.
The role is subject to a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing by the Transport Select Committee, which will take place later this year. Once confirmed, Sir Stephen is expected to start work on August 1. Shapps said: “This is an extremely challenging time for the aviation industry, unlike anything we have faced, so the need for an inspiring and experienced leader is vital.
“I’d like to thank Dame Deirdre Hutton for her support and leadership over the last 11 years and to welcome Sir Stephen Hillier.
“Sir Stephen’s incredible knowledge and experience in aviation will be invaluable during this period and I’m confident he will excel addressing the challenges presented by Covid-19. I am also excited to work with him and support the Civil Aviation Authority’s new vision once the industry is back on its feet.”
