Bermuda Aviation Services (BAS) is to get a new man at the helm after the company announced that has been promoted.

Mr. Packwood will take over the post of chief executive officer and senior vice president as of August 1, and will replace Gene Bean, who is due to retire from the company in 2006.

Mr. Bean will now become group president and will be responsible for a smooth transition of management as well as business development.

The announcement was made yesterday by chairman of BAS Michael Darling through the Bermuda Stock Exchange, where the company?s stock is traded.

?Bermuda Aviation Services Ltd. is pleased to announce that Raymond Packwood has been promoted to the post of senior vice president and chief executive officer,? said Mr. Darling.

?The promotion is a response to the company?s succession planning in anticipation of the incumbent chief executive?s retirement from the company in 2006.?

The company said that as a result of Mr. Packwood?s promotion, the company will immediately begin the process of recruiting a Chief Financial Officer.