Bournemouth-based Meridian Aviation has appointed Malcolm Craft as engineering director. His appointment follows nearly 10 years with the Qatar aeronautical college where he oversaw fleet maintenance and established an engineering training school. He also spent four years as chief engineer for Air Hanson at Blackbush Airport.

A former light aircraft owner himself, Craft said: “Our aim for the expanding engineering and avionics facility at Bournemouth is to create a new benchmark in aircraft maintenance by becoming more service led.”

Meridian plans to invest £3 million (approx. 4,700,000 Euros) over the next two years. This is to include the creation of a JAR 147 training school and the recruitment of engineering apprentices.