Stephen Forshaw will start Canberra-based role on 1 August, and will report to the president of Airbus APAC, Anand Stanley.
The 31-year-old, four-engine bemouth, UR-82029, was on its way to the US territory of Guam in the North Pacific Ocean.
Australia's newest airline Bonza is one step closer to launch, after its first Boeing 737 MAX jet was spotted sporting freshly-painted Bonza livery in Seattle, Australian Aviation can reveal.
It comes after the ALAEA received permission from the Fair Work Commission as it attempts to renegotiate its enterprise bargaining agreements.
The initiative means every seat on the aircraft, including business and first-class, can be booked via stockpiled loyalty points, as well as by cash.
Barry Abrams will be replaced in the role by Stephen Pearse, a former managing director of CAPA and vice president of Emirates.