Aircraft Leasing Ireland hosted 300 professionals at the InterContinental Dublin on 11 November. Panels discussed updates to legacy frameworks and fragmented regulation in aircraft trading.
Speakers addressed skills shortages in trades like machine tool operators and apprenticeships. The summit explored geopolitical impacts including US-China relations on aviation leasing. Speakers included Liam Benham President of EU Nato and Government Affairs Europe at Boeing.
Aircraft Leasing Ireland members managed aircraft worth €274bn representing 69pc of global leased value. Ireland manages over 10000 aircraft through 19 of the world’s largest 20 lessors based in Dublin with the sector leasing over half the global fleet.
Sessions covered sustainability through innovative financing and ESG leasing practices along with measures to maintain Ireland’s position as a global hub for aircraft leasing. Avolon CEO Andy Cronin joined a panel on navigating change and opportunities in the sector.
An innovation forum addressed technology and digital transformation in leasing and aviation services while talent and skills discussions identified strategies to attract develop and retain professionals in the sector.
Aircraft Leasing Ireland Chair Karl Griffin shared “These figures, managed aircraft worth €274bn representing 69pc of global leased value, demonstrate the extraordinary scale and contribution of Ireland’s aircraft leasing industry.”
Joe Gill shared “The paperwork involved in getting assets moved is like something from the Dickens era.”
Eamonn Brennan shared “We’re looking for some kind of digital platform that could come out of Ireland, that would embrace commonality and reduce the legal and administrative costs for aircraft owners and users.”
Conor McCarthy shared “While Europe and the rest of the world go after AI and technology and all those exciting things, core skills are not being replenished.”
Peter Barrett shared “An island economy that will constrain the number of passengers per airport, it just doesn’t make any sense.”
