The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has announced the appointment of Susan M. Baer, who has spent 21 years in a myriad of aviation department roles, as director of aviation. The first woman in Port Authority history to assume the job, she replaces William R. DeCota, who died unexpectedly in October.

DeCota had been the agency’s director of aviation since 1999. “Bill was a national voice on major airport issues throughout his career, including initiatives to reduce flight delays and modernise aviation facilities and systems,” the authority said in its announcement.

“During his tenure, Bill oversaw operations at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart and Teterboro airports, with more than 100 million passengers using those facilities annually,” the statement said.

“The combination of Sue’s talent and experience will allow the Port Authority to continue its important mission of ensuring the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo within the New York/New Jersey region for the most important airport system in the world,’’ said Christopher O. Ward, the executive director of the PANYNJ.

Baer, meanwhile, will now take over one of the world’s largest and busiest aviation systems, with oversight responsibilities for John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart International and Teterboro Airports. Last year alone, more than 107 million passengers used the Port Authority airports, which also handled nearly 2.2 million tonnes of cargo.

Baer, who has held the department’s number two slot since last year, will continue the agency’s focus on modernising facilities at all its airports as she takes the helm of a department with a $1.3 billion operating budget and a $594 million capital budget in 2009. Additionally, she will focus on making NextGen satellite navigation technology a reality in the aviation industry, while also encouraging airspace improvements to help reduce flight delays and maintain safety in the New York/New Jersey region.

“I’m truly honored to lead a department with such a rich aviation history and a top-notch, hard-working staff ,’’ she said. “We will continue our mission of providing world-class airports and service for our customers. I look forward to working closely with our committed industry partners to deliver on all our goals.”