Description
Once an aviator always an aviator!
Aviation can best be described as an industry that thrives on constant movement and change offering a fast-paced, dynamic work environment. Those who join the sector rarely leave but find new niches in which to enhance their talents.
Such was the trajectory of Conor McCarthy’s career. His entrée into aviation was via an apprenticeship with Aer Lingus, but a sheer determination to scale new heights and explore new horizons has positioned him as a major player in this dynamic sector.
Best described as an airline industry veteran with an entrepreneurial flair, the Conor McCarthy stamp can be found in airlines worldwide, in MRO and in aviation consultancy.
He has had an exemplar career to date and is taking time out to share his story with Shannon Chamber members and guests in a lively and inspiring fireside chat with an equally energetic aviation enthusiast, John Ludden, General Counsel, High Ridge Aviation.
If you work in or are interested in aviation and business, or if you are searching for a new career opportunity, then this event is for you.
To quote Charles Lindbergh:
“The airplane is the closest thing to real magic that we have.”
We look forward to hearing how Conor’s magic wand has touched so many aspects of aviation and his views on the sector in general
About Conor McCarthy
Executive Chairman at Emerald Airlines & Dublin Aerospace
Conor McCarthy, an airline industry veteran with over 46 years of experience, is a serial entrepreneur and has helped found several airlines and aerospace companies worldwide.
Based primarily in Dublin, Ireland, Conor is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Emerald Airlines, Ireland’s newest regional airline, and the exclusive operator of the Aer Lingus Regional network.
Founder of PlaneConsult, an aviation consultancy company. Over the past 19 years PlaneConsult has worked in many airlines including easyJet, Aer Lingus, AirAsia, Qantas, Jetstar, Air Deccan, Pegasus, Alaska Airlines, Copa, Thai AirAsia, AirAsia X, MAS, flyNAS, Saudia and vivaAerobus.
Conor is a Co-founder, shareholder, and former director of AirAsia and its affiliates in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and India.
After graduating from Trinity College, Conor quickly rose to the level of EVP and was appointed Chief Executive of Aer Lingus Commuter at the age of 28.
Conor was the Director of Group Operations & Safety for Ryanair from 1996-2000. During this time the airline tripled in size and Conor was responsible for the famous Ryanair 25-minute turnaround, new Base rollout, and successful delivery and introduction of the first Ryanair Boeing 737-800s.
In 2009 Conor established Dublin Aerospace, parent company to Dublin Aerospace and Exeter Aerospace. Dublin Aerospace is now one of the world’s leading providers of Aerospace MRO services with capabilities in APU Repair & Overhaul, Base Maintenance, Component Repair and Landing Gear Overhaul. Dublin Aerospace has recently developed a state-of-the-art Landing Gear facility in Ashbourne, Ireland and started up Exeter Aerospace in the UK.
In conversation with John Ludden
John is a founding partner and General Counsel of High Ridge Aviation, where he leads a global legal team. High Ridge Aviation — along with its subsidiary LR AirFinance — brings competitive financing and liquidity solutions to commercial aviation clients around the globe. He has extensive expertise as a senior aviation lawyer and previously served as General Counsel at GECAS, GE’s former aviation finance business and the owner of the world’s largest fleet of commercial aircraft. In addition to mentoring and supporting the development of younger talent, John has endeavoured to advance the industry from within. He has been a champion of the Aviation Working Group’s (AWG) pioneering efforts, including the advancement of the Cape Town Convention and driving continued improvements in the trading of aircraft.
Registration & Networking: 12:30pm- 12:55pm
Price: Members €90.80/ Non-Members €102.15 (incl. VAT per ticket)
Individual places can be booked via website
Tables of 8 or 10 can be reserved via website or via email to Lijana at lkizaite@shannonchamber.ie
Booking: Please book online to secure your place. For more information or bulk bookings, email Lijana at lkizaite@shannonchamber.ie
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