Leiv Bjerga’s aviation career spans more than 45 years, having first entered the industry as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer before transitioning to air force aircrew operations, air traffic control, airline safety, and executive aviation leadership.

His flying experience includes about 5,000 aircrew hours as a Mission Commander, Navigator, and Air Warfare Officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, operating maritime and transport aircraft.

Leiv brings 20 years’ experience as an Air Traffic Controller, including tower, radar, and procedural control environments, along with classroom and simulator instructional delivery for both domestic and international trainees.

As a Flight Safety Specialist with Air New Zealand, Leiv served as a principal investigator and contributed to the strengthening of airline-wide Safety Management Systems.

Across his career, he has trained and mentored hundreds of aviation professionals in air navigation, air traffic services and aircraft engineering.

Leiv’s management experience includes senior executive and operational leadership roles across air force, airline, airport, and tertiary education environments. He has also held senior operational accountability within an ICAO-aligned Middle Eastern aviation environment, advising regulatory authorities and overseeing air transport services for ATC and international airport operations.

Leiv’s career reflects a unique integration of engineering, air force aviation, air traffic control, airline safety, and executive governance experience, underpinned by a lifelong commitment to aviation safety, regulatory excellence, and organisational leadership.