Queenstown Airport is one of New Zealand’s most strategically important regional gateways and a key enabler of the South Island’s economic and social infrastructure. The business is entering a significant period of capital investment as it delivers its most ambitious infrastructure programme in its 90-year history.

Shane O’Hare brings to the role more than 40 years’ global executive experience in the aviation and tourism sectors, with leadership roles across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the US and Middle East. His prior appointments include executive roles at Melbourne Airport, Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Royal Jet Group and Star Alliance. He also founded Seair Pacific Airlines, an award-winning Queensland-based regional carrier and tourism business.

Most recently, Shane served as Chief Executive Officer and board director at Launceston Airport, where he led the post-pandemic recovery and oversaw delivery of key infrastructure, record passenger growth, and commercial revenue expansion. Shane has also served on the boards of Tourism Tasmania and Visit Northern Tasmania and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He brings to Queenstown Airport a reputation for effective delivery in complex stakeholder environments, strong community engagement, and commercial discipline. His appointment follows the planned departure of outgoing CEO Glen Sowry and a robust global search process.

Thank you to Simon Monks, Natalie Stones, Katie Mills and Wendy Sole for their work on this important appointment.

The full company announcement can be read here