Giancarlo Buono Appointed Group Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority

On Wednesday 9 October, the UK Civil Aviation Authority announced the appointment of Giancarlo Buono as its new Group Director, Safety and Airspace Regulation.

Giancarlo is an alumnus of the School of Science & Technology, City St George's, University of London, graduating in 2001 with an MSc Air Transport Engineering. He is also a Special Lecturer in Airline Operational Regulatory Compliance at the School.

With over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, Giancarlo brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership expertise to his new role, where he will lead the organisation’s safety and airspace regulatory functions.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Giancarlo Buono as its new Group Director, Safety and Airspace Regulation. With over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, Giancarlo brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership expertise to the role, where he will lead the organisation’s safety and airspace regulatory functions.

Giancarlo joins the Civil Aviation Authority Board and Executive Leadership Team from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he served as Regional Director for Safety and Flight Operations in Europe. In this capacity, he played a key role in advancing global aviation safety standards and regulations, working closely with international stakeholders to enhance operational safety and efficiency across the industry.

A seasoned leader, Giancarlo's career encompasses both civil and military aviation. He started as an officer and pilot in the Air Force before transitioning to commercial aviation, where he held several senior positions prior to joining IATA.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

We are delighted to welcome Giancarlo Buono to the team. His extensive experience in regulatory frameworks and operational safety will be crucial in advancing our mission to protect people and enable aerospace. Giancarlo’s leadership will help us uphold the highest safety standards while fostering innovation in the UK’s aerospace sector.

I am delighted to join the UK Civil Aviation Authority at such a crucial time for the aerospace sector. The Civil Aviation Authority plays a vital role in safeguarding the safety of air travel. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders, driving innovation, delivery excellence and contributing to shaping the future of aerospace.

It is fantastic to see Giancarlo, as one of our own MSc graduates and a Visiting Lecturer, take this new step from Director General of Safety and Flight Operations (Europe) at IATA to become the Appointed Group Director of Safety and Aerospace Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Giancarlo teaches directly with me on two of our Sustainable Aviation courses as part of our new Executive Masters in Aviation Management and helps lead on the MSc’s Air Safety Pathway that is one of our three world class recognised accreditations in Aviation Management.