The Dunedin International Airport Limited Board has appointed Daniel De Bono to lead the Airport. He will take up the Chief Executive reins from 1st January 2023.

Mr De Bono has been acting Chief Executive since October 2022. Prior to that he was responsible for Operations and Infrastructure at Dunedin Airport. As both a seasoned aviation leader and a trained pilot, he brings a wealth of experience to the role and a deep connection to the city he is proud to call home.

Dunedin International Airport Limited (DIAL) Board Chairman, Chris Hopkins, says the search for a world-class candidate to usher in a new era for Dunedin Airport was conducted both here and overseas.

"The calibre of individuals from around the world, who put themselves forward, was exceptionally high. However, Daniel stood out as an experienced aviation professional who has already proven himself in various senior leadership roles across New Zealand" says Mr Hopkins.

"Daniel holds a Bachelor of Aviation Management from Massey University and brings professional experience gained with airports throughout the country including Wellington and the Queenstown Lakes. He has demonstrated both the technical and commercial acumen required to succeed at the top job.

"I have no doubt Daniel’s strategic mind and leadership will prove a vital asset as Dunedin Airport continues to build its connections to the city and the lower south,” says Mr Hopkins.

Mr De Bono says he is absolutely delighted and honoured to take up the position.

"As a born and bred local boy, I genuinely feel that Otepoti - Dunedin and the wider region flows through my veins. I am passionate about promoting everything we have to offer with the rest of New Zealand and the world. To make that happen we need a world-class, prosperous airport.

"I will continue working with our airline partners to better connect the city and lower south- island to Australia. I know many people - on both sides of the Tasman - miss that direct connection into our great city," says Mr De Bono.

Sustainability will remain a top priority for Dunedin Airport. "I am excited to be leading the airport during a time of rapid and progressive change as we strive to decarbonise the aviation industry and our airport business. We will remain committed to ensuring sustainability becomes an inherent part of everything we do - respecting our social license to operate and ensuring Dunedin Airport shows leadership in the enduring wellbeing of our region, community, our people and the Environment.

"Our airport runway is the most important main street in town and a key economic driver for Dunedin and the lower south-island. I am sharply focused on ensuring Dunedin Airport continues to grow and thrive," concludes Mr De Bono.

Mr De Bono, along with the Board, would like to acknowledge the work of his predecessor, Richard Roberts, who successfully grew passenger numbers during his time as CEO and also navigated a safe path forward through the Covid-19 pandemic. This was no easy feat.

Mr De Bono will officially start in his new role on the 1st January 2023.

Media enquiries:

Megan Crawford
mcrawford@dnairport.co.nz
027 447 9769

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