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Former Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah and former Airservices Australia CEO Margaret Staib have been recognised in the Australia Day honours.
Scurrah was named a recipient of a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his “significant service to the transport, logistics and freight industry”, along with Staib for “significant service to business, to the aviation sector, and to the freight and logistics industry”.
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Posting on LinkedIn, Scurrah, who joined Fiji Airways last year, said it was an honour to be recognised. Scurrah had left Virgin in 2020 after guiding the airline through its voluntary administration, and was replaced by Jayne Hrdlicka following the sale to Bain Capital.
“Today I am full of gratitude for the wonderful people who have guided and supported me throughout my career,” he said.
“To those who supported my nomination – to my family; the amazing leaders I have worked for and with; those friends and mentors who cared enough about me to give me feedback and guidance; and to the wonderful people and staff I have lead over the journey who have delivered amazing results, sometimes in unimaginably tough circumstances – I say a heartfelt thank you for putting me in the position to be honoured today.”
Fiji Airways congratulated Scurrah on the award, saying it “reflects Paul’s exceptional leadership and enduring contribution at a national level in the industries and communities he has served”.
“Since joining Fiji Airways, Paul has led the airline with clarity of purpose, a strong commitment to safety and excellence, and a deep focus on people and culture – guiding our journey and aspiration toward becoming the World’s Happiest Airline,” the carrier said.
“On behalf of our Board, leadership team, and the entire Fiji Airways Vuvale, we congratulate Paul on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued dedication and service. Vinaka Vakalevu and congratulations, Paul.”
Staib, who headed Airservices from 2012-2015, was already a Member of the Order of Australia, having received the award in 2009 for “exceptional service to the Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Defence Force in the field of logistics strategic planning as Director of Logistics Support Agency – Air Force and Director General Strategic Logistics, Joint Logistics Command”.
She is currently the president of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) Australian Division, and her other awards include the Conspicuous Service Cross and the United States Meritorious Service Medal.
RAeS Australia last year described her as “a trailblazer in military logistics and aviation management, drawing from her extensive experience in the Australian Air Force”.
“Throughout her career, she has held prominent positions, including Commander of Joint Logistics and Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy. Her successful transition to the civilian sector as CEO and Managing Director of Airservices Australia showcased her leadership in air safety and navigation technology,” the society said.
“Margaret holds impressive qualifications, including a Business Degree, a Master of Business Studies in Logistics, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies. She has been recognised for her contributions with prestigious awards such as the Conspicuous Service Cross and membership in the Order of Australia.”
