Former Qantas Chief Pilot Chris Manning has been appointed as Commissioner with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the three-year appointment on Tuesday.
“Mr Manning is well qualified for the position," Truss said. "He has extensive aviation operational and safety management experience, particularly in his former positions as Qantas Chief Pilot and Group General Manager of Flight Operations.
“The Aviation Safety Regulation Review Report [Forsyth Report] recommended the appointment of an additional ATSB Commissioner with aviation expertise and the Australian Government is making good on this recommendation today.”
Martin Dolan, ATSB Chief Commissioner, welcomed the appointment saying "I, and the other Commissioners, look forward to working closely with Mr Manning.
"His experience, particularly in the aviation business, will add considerably to the overall body of knowledge held by the Commission."
Manning, currently the Honorary Chairman of The Australian Aviation Associations Forum (TAAAF), is expected to take up the new position on 9 March.