The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry today announces the appointment of Hartley Elder to the role of Director of Civil Aviation. Already holding the position of Chief Surveyor and Deputy Director of Civil Aviation, Hartley’s new role will see him working with the team of 22 who are responsible for the continuing development and growth of the Isle of Man Aircraft Registry. Hartley joined the Registry in 2008 bringing with him over 30 years of aircraft maintenance, airworthiness and engineering experience in both the public and private sector. Prior to joining Isle of Man Aircraft Registry, he was the Technical Officer - Airworthiness with the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal. He has also held senior positions at the UK Civil Aviation Authority where he was in charge of a Policy and Requirements Section, leading Senior Airworthiness Surveyor’s and previous to this, with British Airways, where he worked as a Technical Support Engineer in the Operations Centre. The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry has been highly successful in attracting business since starting operations on 1st May 2007. The Registry is now the 8th largest business jet register in the world (according to Flightglobal), and has registered a total of 408 aircraft in the last four and a half years. Commenting on his new position Hartley Elder said: ‘When I joined the Registry in 2008 it was still in its formative stage and over the last three years I have seen it go from strength to strength, expanding more than 50% since May 2010 alone. This growth has happened without sacrificing standards, quality and service, and I am proud to have been part of the team, led by Brian Johnson. With the number of aircraft on the Register growing rapidly, the role of Director of Civil Aviation brings many challenges, but I believe I have the knowledge and experience to take on this role and develop the Registry, ensuring it remains a successful and well-regulated operation.’ Isle of Man Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell, MHK commented: ‘Despite the global financial problems over the last few years, the Registry’s high regulatory standards and unique ‘can do’ service standards have proved to be a winning formula and we believe under Hartley’s direction this is only set to continue.’ Isle of Man Department Member for Economic Development, Alex Downie, OBE, MLC said: ‘Having worked with Brian to establish the Aircraft Registry I am immensely proud of what has been achieved both in terms of the number of aircraft registered and the benefits this has had for the wider business community and I wish Hartley every success in continuing this.’ ENDS