Moriarty will work with the current chief executive Andrew Haines on a changeover until next summer.

Moriarty is the current deputy chief executive and also group director of consumer and markets. He re-joined the CAA in 2016, having been chief executive at the Legal Services Board, which oversees the legal profession in England and Wales.

Moriarty has also held senior public and private sector roles at Affinity Water, the Social Housing Regulator, the Postal Services Commission and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets.

Dame Deirdre Hutton, chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said Moriarty had been selected among “a significant number of first class candidates, adding: “Richard was the standout candidate throughout the process.

"His leadership qualities were recently further put to the test during the flying programme he led following Monarch Airlines entering into administration, where he clearly demonstrated his operational scope and capabilities.”

Moriarty said he was “honoured and delighted”, adding: “We have a special responsibility to protect consumers and the broader public, whilst enabling the sustainable growth of an innovative and diverse industry that plays a vital role for our economy.”