
DAVID LANHAM
Chief Executive Officer BBS (Hons) MPrac.Acc. CPA
David Lanham is the Chief Executive Officer at Palmerston North Airport Limited, having held the position since April 2014.
David has extensive international aviation experience in airport management, airline network & commercial planning, and airfreight management. He also has corporate experience in retail strategy and property development, and possesses technical skills in finance & accounting. Prior to joining Palmerston North Airport David gained over 15 years of commercial aviation experience at Air New Zealand, Gulf Air (Bahrain), and as an aviation management consultant. David has worked on airline & airport assignments in Australasia, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and the South Pacific.
David’s commercial experience is supported by professional qualifications in finance and accounting. He is a certified practising accountant (CPA Australia), holds a First Class Honours degree in Finance from Massey University, Palmerston North, and a Masters in Practising Accounting from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

JONATHON BAKER
Chief Financial Officer
Jonathon Baker joined the team at Palmerston North Airport in October 2020. Jonathon brings over ten years of finance experience, having worked previously for Ernst & Young Auckland and Metlifecare. Jonathon also brings his aviation experience to the team, having previously worked for Air New Zealand in a number of finance roles.
As the Chief Financial Officer, Jonathon is responsible for managing the day-to-day and strategic finance function, overseeing board reporting, financial reporting, treasury, accounts payable/receivable and corporate secretarial for the airport. He also manages key relationships, including those with our bank and auditors. Jonathon holds a Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Property conjoint degree from the University of Auckland, is a Chartered Accountant and member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

MUHAMMAD DAHLAN
Capital Projects and Asset Manager
Muhammad joined the team at Palmerston North Airport in November 2021. He has over 14 years experience in the construction industry having previously worked on the MTB project in Abu Dhabi and the New Port and Drydock Development in Oman.
He is a chartered professional engineer in New Zealand and the UK with a MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management from the University of Leeds.
Muhammad’s role includes working closely on commercial developments, asset and project management here at the airport.

BRENT LAWRY
Terminal and Facilities Manager
Brent Lawry joined Palmerston North Airport in July 2015 and has held the role of Terminal and Facilities Manager since September 2016.
Previously, Brent had a long career with KiwiRail, holding positions within the industry including Operations Manager- Terminals and Accident Investigator. He has significant experience with logistics, and operating large teams throughout the Central North Island region. Brent has implemented a Terminal Standardisation programme nationally for KiwiRail, which refined the core business. Brent has also worked as an independent consultant for an inland port developed at Longburn. Brent holds a diploma in Front Line Management (BSB51001).

ALEX FECHNEY
Safety and Operations Manager
Alex Fechney joined the team at Palmerston North Airport in September 2022. Alex brings over 20 years of aerodrome operational, safety and quality experience working for both airport companies, aviation regulators and aviation consultants. Alex returned to New Zealand in 2021 after spending 15 years working in the United Arab Emirates for the General Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and in more recent years Dubai Airports.
As the Safety and Operations Manager, Alex is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance with the requirements of Civil Aviation Rules for a certificated aerodrome and the workplace health and safety requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act. This includes managing and overseeing areas such as the operational reporting system, investigation, operational audit function and security requirements. His role also involves oversight of airside operational activities and working closely with the Airfield Operations Manager. Alex has a Bachelor of Science degree from Victoria University of Wellington.