Why do we continue to ignore the opportunity of Aviation and the Business of Aviation as a career choice in Ireland?

Careers in the airline industry focus on all aspects of commercial flying, including ticket sales, aircraft maintenance and piloting aircraft. All occupations in the airline industry require some training, either on-the-job or a formal education program, depending on the job. Airline management courses are usually part of an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or professional training certificate program in aviation management or airline management. In addition to topics in aviation laws and regulations, air transport and airline industry operations, there is a strong focus on Business. Finance, human resources, strategic management and global business are all included. Programs specific to this industry are available through College Ireland Aviation Services in Ireland for example the Higher Cert in Business(Aviation) Management due to commence in January with the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown. This programme will cover all facets within the Business side of the Aviation Business as well as a providing a good knowledge of business practice and process. 

Irish undergraduates as well as young professionals are being left behind as a result of not choosing Aviation as a career option. The career opportunities are limitless, and can be accessed not just in Ireland but also abroad. Just look at the Irish nationals at senior levels in many of the world's leading Aviation companies such as John Hartnett is an independent non-executive director to the board of Aer Lingus, Judy Byrne, Co-Founder of Crewlink Ireland, Dr David Moriarty BSc (Hons) MBBS MSc MRAeS - CityJet, Adrian Foley- Transaero, Peter Barry - PWA International, Anita baumer- Cityjet, Michael Hickey- Ryanair, Hugh Flynn- Aircontractors, Sean Flannery- GE Capital, Ray Gammel- Etihad Airlines, Brendan Noonan-Emirates..etc. The Aviation Industry continues to grow. Take the following example: British Airways already operates 120 Airbus single aisle aircraft covering the full Family range from the smallest A318 to the largest A321.IAG’s’ recent selection of the A320neo Family for its single aisle fleet is a significant win for Airbus. This recent order by British Airways means IAG sustains several thousand aviation jobs throughout the UK, where the wings are designed and assembled. It also contributes some £40million to the UK economy.In August 2013, IAG announced that, as part of a Vueling order for up to 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft, it had also secured 100 A320neo options. The Leasing Industry is vibrant and continues to grow with programmes in Project Management and Aircraft Leasing available in Dublin. So why do we continue to ignore Aviation Management as a career choice in Ireland? 

For more information on courses available at College Ireland, Contact Emma Olohan on 01-6217368 or check out www.cias.ie or http://cias.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Accelerated.pdf