Global aviation education and training provider, Airways Aviation has appointed Leo O' Reilly as General Manager of its Australian operation to lead the company's ongoing Asia Pacific expansion.

Airways Aviation is a world-leader in aviation training and is globally positioned to respond to the demand for outstanding pilot training and airline resourcing, in order to address head-on the airline pilot shortage. In Australia, Airways Aviation offers world class pilot training from two outstanding flight-lines on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and a world class simulator facility in Hendra, Brisbane.

Leo has 36 years of operational and executive leadership experience, including 25 years' as an Australian Army pilot and flying instructor which saw him serve as Commanding Officer and Chief Flying Instructor of both the Defence Force Helicopter School and the Army Helicopter School, and rise to the rank of Colonel.

In a post-military career that saw him serve as a successful management consultant and business advisor for 10 years, member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, as a mentor for the Queensland Government's 'Mentoring for Growth' program, and the former CEO of Veterans for Youth, O' Reilly is experienced in personnel management and building high performing teams both in Government and private business.

Ian Cooper, CEO, Airways Aviation says: "We are delighted to welcome Leo O' Reilly to the team. He has proven his ability to consistently bring market-driven focus and strategic direction to the operations he has managed, from start-ups to million dollar organisations."

"He is also a passionate and highly trained aviator with over 5,000 flight hours to his name and a strong leadership history, having held positions including Commanding Officer, Chief Instructor and Deputy Director in a demanding military environment. I am confident that he will drive our operations in Australia and Asia-Pacific to new heights."

Contributed by Airways Aviation