Aviation CEO Racks Up Huge Credit Card Debt

Airservices chief executive officer Greg Russell has incurred more than $200,000 in corporate credit card debt. Credit card statements showed the debts were posted between January 2007 and August 2010.

Reports showed that the credit card debts include hotel accommodations at $118,255, taxi fares at $2,432, food at $61,940, and more than $60,000 in parking, car rentals/repairs and fuel.

Russell was appointed by the Federal Government to head the aviation body. The body is in charge of different air operations like aviation rescue services, air traffic tower, among others. He earns close to $800,000 annually.

The aviation body is under Transport Minister Anthony Albanese’s responsibility. Levies from airlines using the country’s airports fund the aviation body. These, in turn, are carried by airlines passengers. The corporate credit card is also funded by passengers.

Credit card statements showed that Russell visited the Ottoman Cuisine restaurant more than 20 times, where he spent $21,355.

He also stayed in posh hotels like Cable Beach Club Resort, Hotel Sofitel, Grand Hyatt in Singapore, and Millenium Hotel in New Zealand. These accommodations were part of domestic and international conferences that Russel attended.

Airservices Australia, however, issued a statement stating that Russell’s use of the corporate credit card is justified. As an officer and representative of the aviation body, he travels internationally and meets with other aviation officials.

The statement further said that all purchases are thoroughly checked. The agency maintains that the charges made to the corporate credit card are all appropriate.

Tagged Airservices, aviation, corporate credit card, Greg Russell