Air Commodore Tony Davies has been appointed chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee this morning confirmed the promotion of Commodore Davies, who is currently acting head of the Air Force.
Commodore Davies joined the RNZAF in 1984 as a trainee pilot, and has since flown C-130 Hercules, Boeing 727s and Boeing 757s. His most recent role was assistant chief of strategic commitments and engagements.
Mr Brownlee said he recommended Commodore Davies to the Cabinet, which approved the appointment yesterday.
"The role of a service chief in the New Zealand Defence Force is to lead their service as they work to raise, train and sustain it," Mr Brownlee said.