The board of Flybe has appointed air chief marshal Glenn Torpy as external chair of its safety and security committee.

He will be responsible for providing assurance to the board of best practice performance relating to the safe and secure operation of the Flybe Group businesses.

As the former chief of air staff for the RAF before his retirement in 2009 and latterly the senior military advisor for BAE Systems, Torpy is highly respected throughout the broader aviation sector.

An internationally recognised authority on aviation, aerospace and defence issues, he has commanded at every level during a long and distinguished career in the RAF and wider defence community, as well as having over 4,300 hours of fast jet flying experience.

Chairman of the Flybe board, Simon Laffin, said: “I am delighted that Glenn has agreed to become the new chair of our safety and security committee.

“Safety is our number one priority.

“With his outstanding reputation for proven delivery underpinned by years of aviation and management experience at the highest levels, he will add valuable perspective to our operations.”

The safety and security committee is part of the group board, comprising two non-executive directors and the committee chairman.

The previous chair of the committee, Timo Anderson, stood down from the committee as he is taking up an executive role in the airline later this month.

Commenting on his new role, Torpy reinforced his passion for determining a holistic and integrated approach to safety and security within any business.

“I am a great admirer of Flybe and the vital role the company plays in UK regional aviation.

“I am passionately committed to ensuring the safety and security of operations, and look forward to working with Flybe.”