Brian Johnson joins Appleby as director of operations

Brian Johnson, the founding head of the Isle of Man Aircraft Register is joining Appleby, the specialist off-shore law and trust firm.

He will become director of operations on August 30.

“We are delighted that Brian will be joining us in Appleby Aviation. Brian has been a catalyst in the establishment and growth of the Isle of Man Aircraft Register and we are honoured that he is willing to bring to us his considerable expertise and experience in civil aviation in a number of jurisdictions,” said Sean Dowling, managing partner, Appleby.

Johnson became the Isle of Man’s Director of Civil Aviation in March 2006 having been a pilot and worked for the UK’s Civil Aviation Administration. He built a team and grew the number of aircraft registered in the Isle of Man quickly. In 2007 he registered the first 20 aircraft it now has

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Director of Civil Aviation in the Island,” said Johnson. “Thanks to the efforts of my colleagues the Isle of Man is now seen as the jurisdiction of choice for the private operation of aircraft. I leave the post proud of the achievement which has been a product of both team work and a commitment to customer service delivered by dedicated officers.”

As well as the Isle of Man, Appleby has offices in Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Mauritius.

“With Brian’s assistance, Appleby Aviation will be well placed to deliver both legal and technical advice to private and commercial operators of civil aircraft around the world, most notably in and the Isle of Man,” said Dowling. “Appleby is committed to developing the Isle of Man as a centre of excellence in the aviation industry and will continue to support the Isle of Man Civil Aviation Administration, which is pivotal to this.”