Ex-RAF Chief Sir Stephen Hillier Takes Charge of UK Civil Aviation Authority
Big news from Whitehall! Sir Stephen Hillier, former head of the Royal Air Force, is set to become the new chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Transport Secretary Grant Shapps named him the top choice to lead the aviation watchdog through the turmoil of COVID-19 and beyond.
Flying Through Crisis: Hillier to Steer UK Aviation Post-COVID
With passenger numbers plunging and airlines in crisis, Hillier’s first order of business is managing the fallout. He’ll juggle supporting struggling airlines while tackling consumer headaches like the huge backlog of refunds after cancellations. The pandemic isn’t the only challenge — Brexit means the UK is leaving the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), so Hillier will also revamp the CAA’s role as a world-class aviation regulator.
Green Skies & New Tech: Modernising UK Aviation
Hillier’s mission goes beyond crisis management. He’ll push for greener, more modern skies, championing innovation and new aviation tech to keep the UK flying at the forefront of the industry. Plus, he’s tasked with encouraging young talent to take up aviation careers, supporting STEM programmes aimed at inspiring the next generation of pilots and engineers.
Veteran Leader with Cockpit Experience
Sir Stephen’s credentials are sky-high. He headed the RAF from 2016 to 2019 and brings nearly 40 years of flying and leadership experience. A qualified pilot and flying instructor himself, Hillier knows the skies inside out. He also managed complex military contracts and infrastructure projects, proving he can handle big operations.
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary: “This is an extremely challenging time for the aviation industry, unlike anything we have faced, so the need for an inspiring and experienced leader is vital. Sir Stephen’s incredible knowledge and experience in aviation will be invaluable during this period.”
Sir Stephen Hillier: “I’m delighted to help lead the Civil Aviation Authority through the enormous challenges ahead: maintaining safety, promoting UK aviation, and steering us through COVID-19 and Brexit.”
Passing the Baton: Dame Deirdre Hutton Steps Down
Sir Stephen replaces Dame Deirdre Hutton, who’s chaired the CAA for 11 years through some of the toughest moments in recent history — from the volcanic ash chaos in 2010 to the collapse of Monarch and Thomas Cook. Hutton leaves behind a transformed organisation with a sharp focus on safety and consumers.
Dame Deirdre Hutton: “It’s been an extraordinary privilege. I’m proud to hand the reins to Sir Stephen, who will undoubtedly guide the CAA through the next chapter.”
Hillier’s appointment awaits a pre-appointment hearing by the Transport Select Committee, with him officially taking the helm on 1 August 2020.
