Aircraft

Newly-created Middle Eastern aeronautical services company Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has named former Honeywell Aerospace chief Bob Johnson as its chief executive (CEO).

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) was set up earlier this year to concentrate on six areas – including manufacturing, financing, airports and engineering – within the aeronautical sector.

The holding company is attempting to establish itself as a $15 billion organisation to be based at the new Dubai World Central international airport and logistics centre, sited at Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.

Johnson will concentrate initially on putting DAE’s first four subsidiaries into operation, which will deal with financing, airports, engineering and the creation of a university.

He stepped down at the beginning of last year as the CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, a post he held for six years, and subsequently adopted the role of chairman.

“DAE’s clear intention is to become a driving force in the global aerospace industry,” says Johnson. “My role as CEO presents me with a wonderful opportunity to lead this dynamic organisation from the outset.”

Johnson’s career prior to joining Honeywell Aerospace included serving as chief of AlliedSignal Aerospace and as a senior executive at AAR.