Department of Economic
Development
Rheynn Lhiasaghey
Tarmaynagh
News
Release
Department of Economic
Development
St George’s
Court
Upper Church
Street
Douglas
ISLE OF MAN
Date: 15 June 2011
Isle of Man Director of
Civil Aviation Brian Johnson announces his move to take up new
challenges
The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry has announced that it will
be searching for a new Director of Civil Aviation to replace Brian
Johnson, who will be stepping down from the role in the Department of
Economic Development, effective of 26th August
2011.
Whilst Brian will be leaving the full-time post held in the
Department of Economic Development, he will remain committed to
supporting the continued growth of the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry in
an advisory capacity moving forward.
Hugely successful since its implementation in 2007, it is now
the 8th largest
business jet register in the world (according to the annual global book
of business aircraft from Flightglobal), and has registered a total of
375 aircraft in that time. Clearly bucking the trend, figures show
that the Registry has grown by 50% since May 2010 and will continue to
grow - more than 30 private and corporate jets are currently being
processed for registration.
The Registry is built around high regulatory standards,
personal service, and a competitive scheme of charges; all of which play
a part in its ability to attract an increasing number of quality private
and corporate jets from across the globe. Aircraft from all of the
world’s major business jet manufacturers have been registered, including
many airliner variants produced by Boeing and
Airbus.
Brian commented: ‘I have
gained a huge amount of personal and professional satisfaction from
developing the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry from its
inception just over 4 years ago to its current status, by having built a
highly successful team which has now registered in excess of 375
executive aircraft.
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Director of Civil
Aviation in the Isle of Man, and whilst I am looking forward to new
challenges, I will greatly miss the teams I have worked with and the
many fantastic clients I have had the pleasure to
meet.’
Isle of Man Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell,
MHK commented: ‘Brian has been
instrumental in creating a hugely successful and well-regulated and
managed operation which is highly respected in the industry and indeed
the world. We thank him for his contribution and support for the
Aircraft Registry which continues to go from strength to
strength.’
Isle of Man Department Member for Economic Development, Alex
Downie, OBE, MLC said: ‘As the politician who
established the Aircraft Register with Brian from its inception, we are
immensely proud of what has been achieved within the Aircraft Registry
for the Isle of Man, and the growth in aviation business
in the business community.’
The Government’s objective in starting the Aircraft Register
was to provide a new business opportunity for the Island’s corporate service providers, lawyers and
financial sector. Many global companies and high net worth individuals
have registered aircraft in the Island - some conducting business with
the Island for the first time - proving that the Registry’s objective
has been achieved very quickly. Despite the global financial problems,
the Registry’s high regulatory standards and unique ‘can do’ service
standards have proved to be a winning formula in making it the fastest
growing business jet register in the
world.
Ends