Ashley Smout joined Airways New Zealand in January 1999, and was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Airways New Zealand in September 2002.  Airways was the world’s first commercialised Air Navigation Services Provider.  In terms of Safety and efficiency it has consistently been benchmarked as a leading industry player.  This high level of sustained performance was recognised by Airways winning the IATA Eagle Award in 2003.

In May 2005 Ashley was elected Chairman of CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation), the international body representing air navigation services providers. CANSO’s members control 60% of the world’s airspace and 80% of the world’s air traffic.