Metro Tasmania boss Katie Cooper has been named the new chief executive officer of Launceston Airport.
Cooper, who has served as CEO of the public transport provider for the past five years, will step into her new role on August 11.
She replaces outgoing CEO Shane O’Hare, who is heading across the ditch to take the top job at New Zealand’s Queenstown Airport.
Cooper has nearly two decades of aviation experience under her belt, including almost five years at Melbourne Airport where she was head of aviation operations.
Her career also includes senior positions at Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports, Head of Security at London Stansted Airport and executive roles at Air New Zealand and the Australian Airports Association.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus, whose organisation owns Launceston Airport, said Cooper’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the airport continues to grow.
“Katie brings a wealth of experience across both aviation and transport sectors and is deeply familiar with the strategic and operational needs of an airport environment,” Argus said.
“With Launceston Airport continuing to experience record growth, Katie’s demonstrated leadership in infrastructure delivery, commercial negotiation and stakeholder engagement will be critical.”
Cooper said she is excited to return to the aviation sector after her time leading Tasmania’s public transport system.
“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.
Outgoing CEO Shane O’Hare said he is confident the airport is in good hands.
“To play a part in transitioning the airport out of Covid recovery and into growth has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my professional career,” O’Hare said.
