Air Transport

Eurocontrol has named David McMillan its director general designate. He will take over from the present incumbent, Victor Aguado, when he steps down on 31 December having been in the job since January 2001.

"I am very pleased to have David McMillan as my successor," says Aguado. "David is a well-recognised and leading figure in European aviation and will bring a wealth of experience to our organisation." McMillan is currently director general of civil aviation in the UK, and has held a range of posts in the UK's Department of Transport, including director of strategy and delivery and director of rail restructuring. He was also president of Eurocontrol's Council from 2004-6.

Aguado says he is pleased to have led Eurocontrol during a period when delays have been reduced by 80%, safety has improved, and the agency's relationship with the European Commission has been put on a sound and formal footing. But he adds that this is no time to review achievements because his job is not over yet.

McMillan will join Aguado at the agency's Brussels headquarters on 15 November to act as his deputy until he becomes director general on 1 January. This is a good handover system, says Aguado, who went through the same introductory period himself.

The UK Department for Transport has said that McMillan's role there is being opened to applicants from outside the civil service.

• Eurocontrol central flow management unit goes collaborative
• Quest for ATM efficiency targets is being met