The board of Airservices Australia last week appointed Rob Sharp to the position of permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Sharp had been interim CEO since May last year when the board elected not to review the contract of then CEO Jason Harfield.
Airservices chair John Weber said Sharp's performance in as interim CEO was a factor in the decision to appoint him permanently.
"Since joining Airservices as Interim CEO in July 2024, Rob has demonstrated exceptional leadership in enhancing the organisation’s operational performance and laying the foundation for long-term financial sustainability," Weber said.
"Under his guidance, Airservices has made significant strides in delivering improved outcomes for the aviation industry and the travelling public.
"Rob’s extensive experience across the aviation and transport sectors, coupled with his deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, has already proven invaluable.
"The Board is confident that his expertise and vision will continue to drive the organisation forward as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead."
Sharp is a former CEO of both TigerAir and Virgin Australia, and Secretary of Transport for NSW.
Former CEO Jason Harfield's term expired on 8 March last year, and only the day before the Airservices board told him his term would be extended to 8 June. However, on 17 April, he was told cabinet had decided not to re-appoint him.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has declined to give reasons for Harfield not being re-appointed, citing "limitations around sharing information relating to cabinet processes".
According to Greens Spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities, Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Harfield was not reappointed because of pressure over noise complaints, particularly from Brisbane.