Airways' new General Manager predicts business growth
5 August 2014
Airways’ new General Manager Global Services, Jamie Macdonald took up his role last week, bringing a strong development
and marketing background to the international training and technology focused division.
“We are delighted to have attracted a person of Mr Macdonald’s calibre and experience to this role, and I’m looking
forward to gleaning some of his expertise in international product development as we work together,” says Chief
Executive Ed Sims.
Mr Macdonald brings considerable experience to Airways, most recently as an advisor, director and investor in a wide
variety of export-focused businesses across the technology sector. He is responsible for the leadership, strategic
direction and management of the Airways Global Services division, which works in international markets to lead the
evolution in air navigation services.
He says he was attracted to Airways by the diversity of the Global Services business and the potential it has globally.
“In New Zealand we just tend to do things differently, and we have a great perspective. It’s these traits that ensure
Airways is leading the way in the development of products and services for our international partners.”
Mr Macdonald says his focus will be on supporting the growth of these international products and partnerships, which
include cloud-based flight revenue management systems, provision of aeronautical information, and air traffic control
and management training.
The company is currently deploying training partnerships in Dubai, China and Puerto Rico. Mr Macdonald says that Airways
has a view to the long-term opportunities in these new regions, while maintaining the intrinsic quality of the company’s
New Zealand training content and software for both domestic and international students.
“With a background in technology services marketing and general management, I’m passionate about the potential of the
Airways Global Services business for New Zealand as a whole,” he says.
Mr Macdonald joins Airways with more than 16 years of international experience, including eight years in-market in
Switzerland, France, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, with the balance advising and working within New Zealand
hi-tech companies successfully exporting to all corners of the world. He spent his early career in the
telecommunications sector. Following this he held senior roles in companies including Bell Atlantic International,
Orange Switzerland, and Navman, in addition to start-ups in Europe and New Zealand.
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