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The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, has announced that the UK Civil Aviation Authority's next Chair will be Sir Stephen Hillier.

Sir Stephen will be taking over the role from Dame Deirdre Hutton who is stepping down at the end of July following 11 years of service. Dame Deirdre has overseen a period of significant change at the Civil Aviation Authority, including the introduction of risk-based safety regulation and working to put consumers at the heart of the organisation.

Sir Stephen will be joining the organisation at an unprecedented and challenging time for the industry as we continue to manage our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be responsible for overseeing the many programmes of work the Civil Aviation Authority undertakes.

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Stephen said “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to help lead the Civil Aviation Authority through the enormous challenges which lie ahead: maintaining our excellent safety record and promoting the UK's world-leading aviation sector, while dealing with the consequences of COVID-19 and guiding us through our departure from EASA.”

The Department for Transport's announcement can be found on their website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/former-head-of-raf-to-be-appointed-chair-of-the-uk-civil-aviation-authority