40-Year Regional Aviation Expert Takes Helm as HIAL Chairman Amid ATC Project
Key Points
- 1Christopher Holliday, a 40-year veteran, will become HIAL Chairman on February 1, 2026, for a three-year term.
- 2HIAL operates 11 subsidized Scottish regional airports vital for island communities' connectivity and economic welfare.
- 3The new leadership must oversee the controversial air traffic control centralisation project to Inverness, which has seen costs rise to nearly £10.5 million and faces union opposition.
- 4Gillian Woolman was also appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the HIAL board, effective December 22, 2025.
A seasoned regional aviation expert has been named the new chairman of the Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) board.
Christopher Holliday brings four decades of experience to the role. He will officially begin his three-year term on February 1, 2026. Mr. Holliday has served as a non-executive director since March 2020. He currently chairs HIAL’s safety, security, and environment committee.
New HIAL Board Leadership
The appointment was announced by Jim Fairlie, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity. Mr. Holliday's background includes over 20 years in senior executive and non-executive roles. These roles focused on regional airlines operating in and to Scotland and other island communities. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering from Bristol University. His board experience includes being vice chairman of the Isle of Man Airport Board. He is also a trustee of the Fresson Trust, which promotes aviation in the Highlands and Islands.
He takes over the HIAL chairman position from Lorna Jack. Ms. Jack described him as an “outstanding” board member. She noted his instrumental role in the drive to future-proof HIAL’s airports.
In a related move, Gillian Woolman was appointed as a non-executive director. She took up her three-year appointment on December 22, 2025. Ms. Woolman is an experienced trustee and audit director. She was a member of the leadership group of Audit Scotland.
Strategic Challenges for Scottish Regional Airports
HIAL is a publicly-owned body. It operates and manages 11 airports across the Highlands and Islands, including Inverness. These airports are considered vital to the social and economic welfare of the areas they serve. They enable remote communities to stay connected. The Scottish Government provides subsidies to HIAL. This support closes the gap between commercial revenue and operating costs.
One of the most significant challenges for the new chairman is the ongoing Air Traffic Management (ATM) centralisation project. This controversial plan seeks to centralise air traffic control services to Inverness.
Air Traffic Control Centralisation
The project aims to modernize air traffic management across the region. However, it has faced strong opposition from local communities and unions. They cite concerns about job losses in island locations. The bill to centralise these services has reportedly hit almost £10.5 million. An independent study claimed the centralisation could cost island economies at least £18 million in economic benefit. The new HIAL board leadership will be tasked with guiding this strategic direction. This includes ensuring safety, efficiency, and addressing community concerns. The project is part of HIAL’s long-term strategy to future-proof Scotland’s regional aviation expert infrastructure.
Mr. Holliday’s extensive experience in Scotland air travel and island operations is key. His expertise will be crucial in navigating these complex operational and political issues. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
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