The company responsible for managing 10 airports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland has appointed a director of operations.

Gordon Griffiths will be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the business at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

Mr Griffiths, 53, has joined HIAL from BAA where he was latterly customer services director at Budapest Airport in Hungary.

With 34 years of experience in the aviation industry he brings a wealth of knowledge to the new role at HIAL whose airports range from Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh to Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Islay, Tiree and Wick.

Glasgow-born Mr Griffiths has held a range of senior posts in the aviation industry including head of operations at Heathrow, managing director at Gloucestershire airport, operational roles at Manchester and Liverpool airports, and passenger services manager at Luton.

HIAL’s airports handled a record 1,153,000 passengers last year. The company is responsible for operational and regulatory aspects of its business including air traffic services, rescue and fire-fighting provision and maintaining airport infrastructure.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Griffiths said: “I am looking forward to taking a hands-on role in the operation and development of HIAL’s airports across the region. While the sizes of the airports vary quite considerably the types of operational issues that arise tend to be similar across the industry. It will be an exciting new challenge to address the issues and opportunities presented by each of the locations.

“I am also looking forward to working in Scotland for the first time in my career. Airports form a vital part of the transport network in the Highlands and Islands and it is a particularly exciting time to get involved in their future development and operations,” said Mr Griffiths.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gordon on board and have no doubt that his wealth of experience in the industry will be a great asset to the business.”