Media

7 April 2011: Ireland is ideally positioned to become the international centre of aviation excellence, according to the aviation training and education organisation, College Ireland, on the occasion of its second annual conference.

Aviation and education experts have today come together at the National Convention Centre in Dublin to promote the industry and the availability of quality education and training available in Ireland.

College Ireland is an "Ireland Inc." initiative bringing together leading aviation companies, training organisations, third level colleges and State agencies under a single umbrella.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive, IAA said that the potential to create sustainable careers in the aviation sector remained positive in the current global economic downturn and that College Ireland was now strategically placed to fulfil the educational needs of those in the industry or seeking to enter the industry.

“I welcome the coming together of experts at the College Ireland conference as independent research shows that air traffic around the world continues to grow in 2011. So there continues to be a demand for well trained pilots, cabin crew, engineers and air traffic controllers.

IAA Chief Executive, Eamonn Brennan with Capt. Anne Hassett-Morgan

We in the IAA believe that Ireland provides high quality aviation education and training for the international markets. Our reputation in developing aviation staff is renowned throughout the world. The IAA supports any initiative that contributes to raising standards and skills in this important sector,” he said.

Key topics on the aviation sector will be discussed at the conference. Mr. Hugh Flynn, ASL Aviation Group provided the delegates with a case study on Air Contractors while Andy Carlisle from Greenstone Aviation explored the aircraft leasing sector.

A survey of the aviation industry and the skills required was presented by Dr. Donal Rogers from Dublin Aerospace and Mr. Cormac Lucey from UCD reviewed the industry in the current economic climate.

Education and training was discussed by three eminent experts. A case study and the Australian experience in aviation education was presented by Mr. Michael Flynn from Trinity College Dublin.

Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn, President of Institute of Technology Carlow provided the delegates with an insight into the 3rd level opportunities for personnel in the aviation sector. Mr. Finian Connolly, Edgewater College reviewed the benefits of the College Ireland model.

College Ireland represents twenty Irish organisations from aviation, emergency services, transport and the university sectors. It provides a “one stop shop” for education, training and consultancy in the sector. All programmes carry European wide recognition.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Lilian Cassin
Corporate Communications Manager, IAA
Tel: 087 647 4079  lilian.cassin@iaa.ie