Maintenance

Qantas Airways has appointed a new head of engineering, a position that has been vacant since David Cox left.

Chris Nassenstein will be executive general manager of engineering starting in February, says the Oneworld carrier.

Nassenstein is currently head of Air New Zealand's engineering operations, it adds.

"Chris' appointment represents a rare opportunity for us to bring in external experience," says Qantas group executive operations Lyell Strambi.

Nassenstein has held senior engineering positions at Air Canada, Canadian Airlines and Lan Chile, he says.

Earlier in his career, Nassenstein worked for the Royal Netherlands Air Force and McDonnell Douglas, he adds.

Nassenstein replaces David Cox who left earlier this year.

He is joining Qantas as it prepares to bring Airbus A330 heavy maintenance in-house after years of outsourcing.