Hawaiian Airlines has appointed company executive Charles Nardello vice president of operations.

Nardello replaces Hawaiian's former operations chief Norm Davies, who retired in July.

Nardello's appointment took effect Oct. 1.

"Charlie is a consummate aviation professional and exactly the right fit for a position that is at the center of ensuring Hawaiian's continued outstanding service to customers," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian chief executive officer.

Nardello joined Hawaiian Airlines in February 2004 and previously served as vice president of maintenance and engineering.

Nardello's predecessor Davies retired in July but remained with the airline on an interim basis after Davies' original named replacement, former Federal Aviation Administration official Russell Chew, accepted a job as chief operating officer at JetBlue Airways Corp. in March.

Chew took the JetBlue position even before his first day at Hawaiian.

Nardello is a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and has served in both operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

He served on active duty with the Air Force from 1974 to 1980 and was in the active reserves with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard before retiring in 1996 as a major.

In his new position at Hawaiian Airlines, Nardello will be responsible for several key departments, including maintenance and engineering, customer service, cargo, flight operations, catering, purchasing and safety and security.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.