Arnaud François Penent d’Izarn appointed director of Aeronáutica Civil

Arnaud François Gerard Penent d’Izarn Benavides has been appointed as the new director of Colombia’s Aeronáutica Civil. An aeronautical administrator and pilot with over 30 years of experience, Penent d’Izarn has a background in the Colombian Air Force, where he served as a colonel and deputy director.

He assumes the role amid significant administrative and operational challenges. These include addressing recent allegations of contractual irregularities and pressure on officials, as well as managing a deficit of air traffic controllers. The new director is also tasked with advancing technological infrastructure, radar, and navigation systems. Additionally, the agency must ensure operational safety and facilitate air transport for humanitarian aid in regions affected by recent seismic activity.