Heliworks Queenstown has appointed pilot Richard Mills as its general manager after the company was taken over by Richard "Hannibal" Hayes recently.
Mr Mills brings with him international experience from working in some of the most challenging parts of the globe.
Most recently, he worked as Pacific Helicopters flight operations manager in New Guinea and worked in mining, oil and logging in Malaysia, seismic work in Mexico.
He has also had the occasional stint in Southland, working in tourism and agriculture.
The New Zealander has also been quality assurance manager - an independent role overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority - for the past two and a-half years for Heliworks Queenstown and its sister company, Southern Lakes Helicopters Te Anau.
Mr Hayes said Mr Mills would begin his new role with Heliworks Queenstown on November 1 after completing his New Guinea contract.
"Millsy brings a wealth of experience to the company.
"He's extremely well liked and respected in the industry throughout New Zealand [and] is a stickler for safety and quality, something both companies hold as the highest priority.
"He's also a darn good bloke - a people person," Mr Hayes said.
Mr Mills said he would not come back to New Zealand to work for any other aviation company.
"Heliworks has an extremely high calibre of pilots, systems and safety."
The announcement was the most recent in a string of good-news stories for the companies.
It included news Southern Lakes Helicopters has been awarded the prestigious Antarctica New Zealand contract for the next three summer seasons, working from Scott Base.
