Aviator Hardy appointed NT administrator

Air North and Hardy Aviation founder John Hardy has been named the Northern Territory's 21st administrator.

A "gobsmacked" Mr Hardy was appointed by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove on Thursday. He replaces Sally Thomas, who was administrator for three years.

Mr Hardy is expected to be a voice for jobs and improving the NT economy, which are a key focus for the Country Liberal government.

Mr Hardy, 72, said his years as a professional pilot had given him experience in dealing with people, but although he had flown plenty of ministers, he was still learning about government.

"I like meeting people and expanding my knowledge of activities in the community. I like to see what's going on. I'm a nosy parker, really," he said.

Mr Hardy moved to the NT as a young pilot in 1971, setting up Air North in 1979, which has become Australia's fourth-largest airline.

He then worked as a radiographer at the Royal Darwin Hospital before founding charter airline Hardy Aviation in 1991.

He will be sworn in on November 10.