The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry is searching for a new director of civil aviation to replace Brian Johnson, who will be stepping down from the role on 26 August.
Johnson has been instrumental in creating one of the largest registers in the world and the only register dedicated solely to registering private aircraft. Since its conception in 2007 the tally of M-prefixed aircraft registrations has climbed to 375, growing by 50% since May 2010. More than 30 private and corporate jets are being processed for registration.
The registry was established to bring in business and employment to the island's banks, legal and insurance firms and to position the territory as a centre for aerospace and aviation services. A key attraction of the Manx register is its cost-neutral status, which makes registration and other related services significantly cheaper than most other national registers.
In an attempt to attract new business to the island, M-registrations were limited from late last year to aircraft above 5,700kg (12,555lb) - the Cessna Citation CJ1 and Beechcraft King Air upwards - unless the owner is based in the Isle of Man.
Source: Flight International
