Post for high achiever
McLean to steer airport’s growth strategy
AN AVIATION industry high-flyer has been charged with helping to grow Cairns Airport’s passenger numbers and airline services.
Paul McLean will officially start his new role as Cairns Airport chief commercial officer for aviation in early August.
“This is a crucial role as we work to increase our direct international connections to provide convenient access for visitors to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests,” said Cairns Airport chief executive Norris Carter in a statement.
“Paul has spent the past 12 years with Air Canada in senior sales and marketing roles, most recently as general manager, Australia and New Zealand.
“His vision and growth strategy for the airline saw it achieve its best years ever in the South Pacific region.
“He was instrumental in Air Canada launching flights from Vancouver to Brisbane and announcing flights to Melbourne.”
The announcement comes amid an “organisational restructure” at Cairns Airport, with several executives leaving the business in recent months.
Passenger growth remains strong with the latest figures showing a 7.6 per cent increase in international numbers during the 12 months to May 31.
Mr Carter said Mr McLean would be a welcome addition to the airport.
“Paul has also served in leadership roles with aviation industry organisations, the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia (BARA) and Star Alliance Australia,” Mr Carter said.
“In his time with BARA he successfully managed airline/ airport negotiations and led the organisation to more focused public relations and commercial strategies.
“I am delighted to welcome Paul and his family to Cairns and to the Cairns Airport team.”
Mr McLean said he was “incredibly excited” to take up the new role.
“After successfully achieving the objectives I set for myself with the Air Canada team I had been considering the next phase of my career for the past year,” he said.
“I believe the opportunities and Cairns Airport’s strategic direction are a great fit for me and I am confident we will achieve success as a team.”