The acting Commissioner for Aviation Regulation has been appointed to the position on a permanent basis.
Cathal Guiomard was awarded the position following a selection process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.
He took over from Bill Prasifka who left last year and later was appointed to head up the new Competition Authority. Mr Guimard was formerly the Commission's economist.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen congratulated Mr Guiomard today saying, "he takes on the position at an exciting and important time for Irish aviation".
The Commission is responsible for, among other areas, the controversial issue of airport charges to airlines. It also licenses Irish airlines, tour operators and travel agents.
Mr Guiomard will also have an important role in the implementation of the Government's Aviation Action Plan in what is a highly sensitive sector politically.
He is regulator for Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) which is embarking on a €1.2 billion expansion programme which includes the construction of a new runway, pier and terminal.
He has the power to sanction landing charges the DAA wants to impose. This has an important effect on the way the DAA raises funds for investments.