Diarmuid Ó Conghaile, the Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair Holdings’ subsidiary Malta Air, has been appointed Regulator with the Irish Aviation Authority.

Malta Air has 120 of the group’s aircraft from a total of 450 and is responsible for its Maltese, French, German and Italian bases.

Mr Ó Conghaile will assume his new role in January as the Irish Republic’s Government moves to shape up supervision of the industry.

The IAA regulates safety and is also responsible for air traffic control and navigation through the Republic’s skies. According to The Irish Times, the Government plans to consolidate safety regulation with consumer protection in a new organisation headed by Mr Ó Conghaile as CEO.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan was quoted saying Mr Ó Conghaile will play a critically important role in splitting the IAA’s safety and air navigation services ahead of becoming CEO of the newly merged air travel regulator.