Sverre Quale, age 49, was named to take over as head of troubled Avinor, Norway's civil aviation administration formerly known as Luftfartsverket.
Avinor's air traffic controllers were locked in battle last fall with Avinor's former management over a proposed reorganization. The conflict led to sudden illness among the air traffic controllers, which in turn meant that inadequate staffing forced scores of flight cancellations and delays.
Avinor's former boss, Randi Flesland, finally resigned and the conflict died down, pending appointment of her replacement. In the meantime, Avinor's board suggested that initial plans to close an air traffic control base at Røyken, southwest of Oslo, may be suspended, a move that also appeased air traffic controllers who feared transferring or losing their jobs.
Quale's appointment was well-received by the air traffic controllers. He most recently has headed the state agency that investigates accidents in Norway (Havarikommisjonen) Before that he was the former Luftfartsverket's director in charge of safety and health.
He's also been a director of the state railroad authority (Statens jernbanetilsyn) and held management posts in Saga Petroleum AS, before it was taken over by Norsk Hydro.
"It's important that Avinor adapts with the times," Quale said. "I look forward to come back to Avinor."
Avinor owns and operates 46 airports in Norway.
