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A former head of aviation operations at Melbourne Airport is set to become the new chief executive of Launceston.
Katie Cooper, who recently left her position leading Tasmania’s largest bus operator, will succeed Shane O’Hare, who announced his departure in April.
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“Cooper was at Melbourne Airport for almost five years, joining the airport as head of aviation operations in 2015 before later becoming head of transformation, where she oversaw the integration of Qantas Terminal 1 into the wider airport operations,” Launceston Airport said.
“She has also held senior roles in the aviation sector, including general manager at Alice Springs and Tennant Creek Airports, head of security at London Stansted Airport, and various executive roles at Air New Zealand and the Australian Airports Association.
“Katie’s appointment will take effect from 11 August and will allow for a period of transition with outgoing CEO Shane O’Hare ahead of his last working day on 19 August.”
As reported by Australasian Bus & Coach, Cooper’s time at Metro Tasmania saw her deal with a driver shortage that led to an aggressive recruitment campaign. The problem bizarrely led to members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU protesting the state government’s refusal to rule out privatising the sector.
Cooper said she was excited to be returning to the airport sector and joining the Launceston Airport team.
“Launceston Airport plays an essential role in connecting Tasmanians with the mainland and beyond, and I’m honoured to be leading the next phase of its development,” she said.
Australian Aviation previously reported how O’Hare, who took the job at Launceston in 2021, would shift to taking the CEO position at Queenstown Airport.
“Since joining Launceston Airport in June 2021, Shane has helped drive the airport’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, grow its domestic network and instigated a major capital works program to improve the passenger experience,” Launceston Airport said in a statement.
Launceston Airport is embarking on a multi-million-dollar terminal renovation project.
Billed as the biggest overhaul to Launceston’s terminal in 20 years, the refresh will add three new food and beverage outlets and increase passenger amenities. It comes as the airport continues to break pre-COVID-19 traffic records.
