The Department of Economic Development has announced that Brian Johnson will take up the role of Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) from May 2nd 2014 on an interim basis until a replacement for the outgoing Director Hartley Elder is found.
 
Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK commented:
 
‘The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry is widely recognised as the best in the world for business jets and has been extremely successful in bringing revenue and jobs to our Island. The registry team currently register around 100 high quality business jets per year and there are now nearly 700 jets on the Isle of Man’s register.
 
‘It is vital that the world knows we remain open for business while we recruit a replacement for Hartley, who is retiring.
 
‘Brian Johnson founded the Aircraft Registry and is a well-known figure in the industry, both in the Isle of Man and further afield, so I am grateful to his current employers Appleby Isle of Man for agreeing to this interim solution.
 
‘The Department is currently advertising to recruit his replacement. However, realistically there will be a gap of at least 3 months between Hartley’s departure and the arrival of the new DCA, depending on the successful candidate’s availability.
 
‘It is a requirement of the UK Department of Transport that we have an appropriately qualified person to act as Director of Civil Aviation and to run the Registry effectively.
 
‘Brian’s achievements in setting up the Registry speak for themselves and I believe that this solution is in the best interests of both the Aircraft Registry and the local industry.
 
‘Understandably, given Brian’s current role with Appleby Isle of Man and his consultancy in relation to Jersey’s new aircraft register, there may be concerns in some quarters regarding this temporary appointment.
 
‘Brian’s role advising Jersey is based around the requirements to operate an effective register, not on winning business for it.
 
‘Having discussed issues of potential conflicts of interest with Brian, Appleby Isle of Man and the local industry we feel that these matters can be managed to the satisfaction of all parties.
 
‘As a result we are satisfied that this will not affect Brian’s ability to carry out the role of the Isle of Man’s Director of Civil Aviation.
 
‘However, if there are any concerns that industry has with this arrangement then I would encourage them to contact either myself or the Chief Executive directly.
 
‘Additionally, as a leading professional services firm, Appleby Isle of Man would not wish to place itself in a position where there is a conflict of interest and so the fact that they are prepared to enter into this interim arrangement is further reassurance that we can manage the situation properly.
 
Brian Johnson, Director of Operations, Appleby Aviation Limited commented:
 
‘I am proud to have helped lay the foundations for the success of the Aircraft Registry and I am looking forward to returning as the interim Director of Civil Aviation alongside my Appleby commitments until the Department can recruit a new Director.’