A former boss of Bristol Airport and Cornwall Newquay Airport has been appointed to a new role at Guernsey Ports.
Richard Thomasson, who has held senior aviation positions for the last 18 years, will become the organisation's new airport director.
He previously worked as the airport operations manager and airport director for Cornwall Airport Newquay, before moving to Bristol Airport, where he worked as head of customer operations since August 2020.
Mr Thomasson said: “I am excited to take up this opportunity as the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s airport director.
“It was clear through the interview process that my vast previous aviation experience would be a great fit for this role.
"I look forward to working with the team and our partners to place the customer experience at the heart of everything we do, whilst ensuring we take full advantage of the airport’s capability to maximise the benefits for the local economy and its community.”
Guernsey Ports includes the airports of Guernsey and Alderney as well as the harbours, ships registry and coastguard. Guernsey Airport hosts inter-island, Ƶ and European commercial airlinks, while Alderney hosts airlinks to the Ƶ and Guernsey.
Guernsey Ports managing director Ross Coppolo added: “Richard is a highly-qualified and well respected aviation professional, who has excelled in senior operational roles at Bristol Airport and Cornwall Airport Newquay.
“His experience, knowledge and enthusiasm will be an asset to Guernsey Ports as we strive for continuous improvement across Guernsey and Alderney Airports.
“This is a crucial role in which Richard will oversee day-to-day airport operations, uphold regulatory compliance and help to guide our long-term strategy, supporting our aims to grow connectivity and diversify the business.”
The announcement comes just days after a survey found Guernsey's business leaders have more confidence in the island's economy than six months ago.
The uplift in confidence about prospects over the next 12 months was led by the finance and professional services sectors, the Institute of Directors research found.
However, sentiment in the construction and retail sectors fell sharply, reflecting the ongoing pressures faced in those industries, the survey said.
