38.— (1) There shall be a chief executive of the company (who shall be known as and is referred to in this Act as “ the Chief Executive ”).

F24[(2) The first Chief Executive appointed after the commencement of section 69 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022 shall be appointed by the Minister for a period not exceeding 7 years and may, after consultation with the directors of the company, be removed from office by the Minister.]

F24[(3) Each subsequent Chief Executive shall be appointed by the Minister, after consultation with the directors of the company, for a period not exceeding 7 years and may, after consultation with such directors, be removed from office by the Minister.]

(4) F25[…]

(5) The functions of the Chief Executive shall be to—

(a) carry on, manage and control generally the administration of the company,

(b) advise the directors of the company on any matter relating to or affecting the technical or safety standards specified under section 32 or the safety of civil aviation, and

(c) advise the directors of the company in relation to the performance of the other functions of the company and, in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, in relation to the making of orders and regulations, and the giving of directions, by the company,

subject to the lawful directions of the directors of the company.

(6) The Chief Executive shall hold office upon and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration and allowances) as may be determined by the directors of the company after consultation with the Minister and with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

F26[(7) Each Chief Executive appointed after the commencement referred to in subsection (2) shall be ex officio a director of the company.]