IBGAA International
Business Aviation Conference

November 14th, 2024 | The K Club Hotel, Ireland

The IBGAA conference will bring together aviation influencers and decision makers from around the world to discuss the latest developments and explore the future of business aviation.

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    Board
    Members

    Josh Stewart
    Founding Chairman

    Josh Stewart is a seasoned leader in the aviation industry with over 30 years of experience. As the Founding Chairman of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) Josh represents Ireland on the International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC) Governing Board and is committed to championing and helping safeguard an industry that he is deeply passionate about. Josh is the founder & CEO of Robusto Capital and XJet.

    A Belfast native and former RAF Volunteer Reserve pilot (ULAS), Josh has been a keen aviator since a young age and worked as a bush pilot in Africa during the early stages of his career. This involved providing humanitarian air support for many NGOs, including the United Nations World Food Programme and the International Red Cross. He has since accumulated over 5,000 flight hours as an FAA-rated Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and commercially rated helicopter pilot.

    In 2003, Josh was introduced to the Educo® Model and it was at this seminar, that he developed his invincible vision for a new type of business aviation company, and XJet® was born.

    XJet® disrupted the status quo by designing a revolutionary business model with world-class facilities, seven-star service, and transparent economics with jet fuel at cost. This was implemented with the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Denver, Colorado opening in 2006 and immediately establishing a new benchmark for business aviation.  XJet consistently ranked as the number 1 business aviation company in the Americas for multiple years consecutively.

    In 2014, XJet® secured the largest private hangar in Europe, at London-Stansted Airport, and carried out a comprehensive upgrade to cater to heads of state and the VVIP market. XJet London was also awarded the top spot in the annual rankings for Europe and the rest of the world.  Under Josh’s leadership, XJet® rapidly rose from an industry start-up to a challenger brand to the world’s number-one-ranked business aviation company.

    In 2018, XJet completed a successful exit to Tiger Infrastructure Partners ($3.2B AUM) with Josh being retained as a strategic advisor for 3 years.  TIP utilized XJet as a platform to create and develop a network of FBO’s, growing from just one location with the acquisition to 16 locations and counting.  Josh retained ownership of the XJet Model and trademark.

    Outside of aviation, Josh has 15 years of experience in the energy sector.  He was a director and shareholder in Belize Natural Energy (BNE) from 2008 to 2020. BNE was founded by a group of Irish investors trained in the Educo® Model, who came together and discovered the first oil in Belize. BNE is powered by a 97% Belizean team and has consistently been the number-one revenue generator in Belize, contributing more than US $240 million in government revenues and gaining global recognition for its award-winning holistic model.

    At BNE, Josh saw an opportunity to create and develop the country-to-country relationship between the UAE and Belize, as no formal links had previously existed between the two countries resulting in virtually no trade or investments between them.  He began by leading high-level government delegations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belize and was subsequently responsible for the establishment of formal bilateral relationships between the UAE and Belize with the signing of the bilateral trade and investor protection agreements at the United Nations Headquarters in 2015.

    This was followed by the signing of a bilateral economic cooperation agreement at the UAE Ministry of Economy in 2019. As a result of these delegations, trade agreements, and treaties, investment has flowed from the UAE into Belize from both the government and private sectors as the county-to-county alliance continues to strengthen.

    In 2019 Josh launched his own investment company Robusto Capital in the international financial center of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) unifying his business portfolio under one structure. Robusto Capital has active investments in the aviation, energy, and non-profit sectors as it continues to develop additional bilateral partnerships with new investments.

    Dave Scully
    Founding Vice-Chairman

    Dave Scully is the Founding Vice-Chairman of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) and COO of Alliance Aviation Group Ireland. Alliance Aviation Group is a fully licensed ground handler with its own commercial aircraft operations holding an EASA AOC. With fixed base operations at Shannon and Dublin Airport, in addition to aircraft management, hangarage and jet charter sales.

    A stalwart of Irish business and general aviation, Dave has close to two decades of experience in aviation operations at senior management level. He previously held the positions of Managing Director Airlink Airways Ltd t/a Private Sky and Director of Operations at Dublin-Weston Executive Airport and was also the founder of AEM Limited Aviation Consultancy.

    Over the years, he has been the driving force for many business aviation special events. In addition to being the Founder of the Bray International Air Show, Dave organised Ireland’s first helicopter exhibition, the Irish Heli Expo, in 2007. He has also overseen such VVIP helicopter operations as the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ireland and Punchestown Festival Helicopter Operations.

    Equipped with a diverse and invaluable set of specialities, including aviation management and consultancy, airport management and development, airport operations management, and VVIP Handling – Dave has established himself as a leading industry figure and innovator.

    Moreover, his proven track record of managing several key aviation projects from concept to execution, along with his comprehensive expertise of EU-OPS and ICAO Legislation, the helicopter and corporate jet market, FBO management, business development, and marketing, has made him an invaluable asset to Irish business and general aviation as a whole.

    A widely respected advocate for the development and growth of business aviation in Ireland, Dave has an in-depth knowledge and experience of aviation regulatory requirements, as well as an extensive understanding of both national and international aviation business.

    Joe Buckley
    Founding Executive Director

    Joe Buckley is the Founding Executive Director of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association IBGAA. An aviation industry veteran, with over 40 years of extensive experience working for Shannon Airport – Joe has held several executive roles within airport operations and business development.

    Since the early 80s, Joe has been involved at a national and international level on a number of issues of strategic importance to Shannon Airport, having served as a Director on several Shannon Airport and Shannon Group boards.

    In 2007, Joe took on a new role with Shannon Airport and assumed responsibility for technical traffic development. He went on to successfully position Shannon as the number one Airport on the North Atlantic for technical stops by business jets. He also actively promoted the development of a Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation in Shannon.

    An early advocate of extending US preclearance to business aviation, Joe played a key role in the subsequent opening of the world’s first US preclearance facility in Shannon. The facility allows passengers on business jets to preclear US Immigration & Customs at Shannon and fly directly to more than 200 US airports. He also contributed significantly to a compliant catering trial, which would enable business jets to fly to any airport in the US from Shannon.

    The pivotal part he played in developing preclearance for business aviation gained international recognition and he was the first Irish person to be named one of the ‘Top European Business Aviation Leaders for 2013’ by the prestigious Aviation Week magazine.

    Through his work with numerous US non-scheduled carriers, Joe has generated new business and secured the use of Shannon for those carriers as their main European base for technical stops on the North Atlantic.

    He has collaborated with both political and commercial VIP’s to develop relationships of long-term business and strategic benefit to Shannon Airport, as well as serving as a representative for Shannon in several international aviation industry associations. These include the NBAA, NACA, and EBAA. He is also a member of the EBAA’s Advocacy Committee.

    Since availing of early retirement in September 2020, Joe continues to provide strategic support on several aviation-related projects at both Board and Executive level. In his role as Founding Executive Director of the IBGAA, he contributes expert advocacy support and promotes the growth of general aviation traffic at Irish airports, with the aim of facilitating FDI, tourism and technical traffic stops.

    Keith McKay
    Board Member

    Keith McKay is a Founding Member of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) and Operations Manager & Business Development Manager at Woodgate Aviation, the Belfast International Airport based fixed wing air ambulance operator, private jet management company, charter broker, FBO and general aviation maintenance provider.

    After 14 years in the airline industry, Keith joined the team at Woodgate Aviation in 2012, bringing with him his knowledge of operational and service delivery. In his current Business Development role, Keith’s work ethic is respected for increasing Woodgate Aviation’s brand awareness via social media platforms, marketing campaigns, the introduction of a new company website and organizing and promoting highly successful local business aviation product placement and showcase events in Northern Ireland.

    Moreover, Keith is also Operations Manager of Woodgate Aviation where he now oversees the efficient running of the Ground Operations Department, supporting the Northern Ireland Fixed Wing Air Ambulance Operation, the company’s managed private jet fleet as well as VIP customer ground handling.

    Established in 1969, Woodgate Aviation is a prime example of Irish Aviation’s rich legacy, making it, one of, or if not the oldest general aviation companies still flying from the island of Ireland.

    Kenneth Fielding
    Board Member

    Kenneth Fielding is the General Manager for Signature Flight Support in Shannon. Signature Flight Support are the world’s largest Fixed Base Operator with over 200 locations worldwide including Shannon and Dublin providing essential support services for business and private aviation including ground handling, refueling and a variety of other world-class amenities with exceptional customer service.

    Kenneth began working for Signature in 2005 as a customer service representative then taking on the role of Operations Manager in 2014. In 2015 he was promoted to the position of General Manager for the Shannon base. In his current role as General Manager he is responsible for the day to day running of the Shannon base, delivering a consistent 5 star level of service for Signature customers while maintaining a strong safety culture.

    In his time at Signature Kenneth has co-ordinated many high level visits for Presidential and VVIP operations while also achieving International Standard for Business Aviation Handling Stage I and Stage 2 accreditations for the Shannon base.

    Angie Deady-Fiddler
    Board Member

    Angie Deady-Fiddler is a director of Martyn Fiddler Aviation based at their Irish office. Angie oversees and manages customs businesses in Ireland, UK, Isle of Man and the Netherlands. Having previously worked extensively in customer service roles and administration services, Angie joined the business in 2000 and has led the customs team for over 20 years, growing it to be a globally recognised brand within the business aviation sector.

    Martyn Fiddler Aviation are Europe’s leading business aviation customs and VAT specialists and also provide regulated corporate services and tax advice across multiple jurisdictions. AEO approved in both the UK and Isle of Man, Martyn Fiddler Aviation hold a number of customs authorisations including Customs Warehousing, Inward Processing and T1 Transit.

    Angie’s in-depth knowledge and experience of customs rules allow her to offer solutions and navigate the clearance of client aircraft with minimal delay and inconvenience.

    Liam Murphy
    Board Member

    Liam Murphy is the Regional FBO Manager for Alliance Flight Support based at Dublin & Shannon Airport, Ireland. Alliance Flight Support as part of the wider Alliance Aviation Group, offer VIP GA handling & facilities to operators at both locations with dedicated hangar space, airside lounges and GSE equipment. Alliance also offer Aircraft Management options as well as dedicated Trip Support Services available 24/7/365.

    Liam has over 20 years’ Aviation experience and has primarily been involved in the Business Aviation sector for much of that period encompassing a variety of roles involving Customer Service, Safety & Training and Operations. As part of his experience, Liam spent a number of years as the Director of Ground Operations for one of Irelands leading and most distinguished Charter operators. It was in this role that the requirement and necessity for a national association for Business Aviation became apparent so that the industry could become more efficient, productive, and successful.

    As Alliance Flight Support has Irish offices in both Shannon and Dublin, Liam is extremely well focused on the issues that face the Business Aviation community in Ireland and how we can develop and progress our industry further.

    Jim O Sullivan
    Board Member

    Jim O Sullivan has been in the aviation since 1994 and started Exjets Ltd in 2018, Exjets specialized in leasing and charter of upmarket luxury jets on worldwide International routes.

    Exjets are 100% committed to providing a first-class, personal service with flight schedules tailored specifically to meet your requirements. Exjets’ values are centered entirely around servicing its customers more effectively than the competition by delivering better value, more creative flight routes, and superior advice. As a result, Exjets has successfully outgrown the market and the competition. We believe that if we take better care of our clients everything else will follow.

    Alan Nee
    Board Member

    Alan Nee is a Licensed FAA, EASA, UK, ATPL Corporate Jet and Helicopter pilot himself, has extensive operational experience in the Americas, Caribbean, EMEA regions having established his first aviation business 28 years ago.

    Past operational roles have included: CEO and Accountable Manager for Premier Aviation Ltd. (Helicopter AOC), CEO and Accountable Manager for Premier Executive Jets. (Jet AOC). The various sister companies primarily focus on Aircraft Sales, Consultancy, Leasing, and Finance brokerage, with growing expansion into various Middle Eastern countries.

    Alan has an excellent working relationship with Embraer, Dassault, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Cessna, Airbus, Leonardo, Bell and Sikorsky, having purchased aircraft over many years from these manufacturers for resale and leasing and on behalf of discerning UHNWI clients and corporations.

    Peter Costelloe
    Board Member

    Peter Costelloe is the founder of By Appointment DMC which has successfully grown an executive concierge business from Ireland to now being present in five countries across two continents.

    Peter’s achievements include logistical planning for a vast array of A list celebrities, government officials and the senior decision makers within large multinational companies. Peter has been involved in the logistical support for four U.S. Presidential visits to Ireland and received a personal thank you from President Barack Obama after his trip to Ireland in May 2011.

    Prior to founding By Appointment DMC, Peter worked for a global corporate aviation company where he held several managerial roles. Peter’s objective is to ensure that the team in By Appointment DMC are constantly adapting to our clients’ needs while simultaneously focusing on how to develop new and unique experiences ensuring we can provide that WOW factor for our guests. Peter’s mantra which he likes to share with the By Appointment DMC team, mirrors that of his favourite sporting team “Impossible is Nothing”. .

    Brian Tuohy
    Board Member

    In the ever-evolving world of aviation, I find myself grateful for the opportunities to grow and contribute. My career began with airlines like Ryanair and Emirates, and now I’m at ACASS Ireland, where I am Director of Flight Operations.

    Education has been a cornerstone of my journey, leading me to complete a BSc in Aviation Technology and a Ba in Business and Management. I’m currently enriching my understanding with diplomas in Airworthiness Management, Sustainable work and a master’s in professional practice.

    Home is Shannon, where I cherish time with my family. Away from work, I’m either tackling a DIY project or enjoying a game of golf.

    I am committed to being a supportive colleague and leader. I look forward to sharing the path ahead with the IBGAA team

    Colin Dunne
    Board Member

    Colin joined Jetcraft in 2019 as a Sales Manager supporting the Northern European and Middle East regions before being promoted to Sales Director in 2023. ​

    In his current role, he leads sales initiatives in the US Midwest. Since joining Jetcraft, Colin has supported over $1bn worth of aircraft transactions, using modern day sales and marketing strategies to successfully build and maintain relationships and ultimately negotiate and close aircraft transactions. ​

    Prior to Jetcraft, Colin held roles across the aerospace, energy and construction industries in a mix of engineering, project management and business development capacities, including a two-year tenure working with aircraft owners, airlines, lessors and MROs at AerData/Boeing.​

    Colin holds an Engineering Degree from Trinity College Dublin, an MBA from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Dublin and a Certificate in Aviation Leasing and Finance.

    Colin is originally from Dublin, Ireland and is now based in Chicago, Illinois having recently relocated from Jetcraft’s London HQ.

    Wayne Pollock
    Board Member

    Wayne Pollock is founder and CEO of WP Exclusive Luxury, a very private and discreet luxury travel and lifestyle management consultancy with UHNW clients across the globe.

    For over 35 years, Wayne has led the business to achieving more industry awards than any other UK independent consultancy in this specialist niche. With clients ranging from Hollywood A listers to captains of industry, his reputation, whilst below the radar publicly, is highly respected by the leaders in high-end travel, hospitality, private aviation, luxury yachts, private islands and global property.

    Wayne enjoys enduring relationships with the owners and managers of the best of the best across the globe which he has meticulously forged over almost four decades. It is these relationships, that money cannot buy, that enable him and his team to provide a highly personal, bespoke and incomparable service to a very select clientele who demand the ultimate in the use of their precious time in both business and leisure.

    From unforgettable rustic five star culture experiences to lavish seven star luxury, WPEL are the best kept secret for those who want the highest levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism backed by the sort of hands-on experience and knowledge that is unashamedly unique in the industry.

    Philip Bartlett
    Board Member

    Philip Bartlett is the Director of Irish Search and Rescue (SAR) at Bristow Ireland Limited and is responsible for leading the Bristow Ireland team in delivering life-saving missions across the country.

    With over 34 years of experience in Irish and U.K. aviation, Philip began his aviation career as an Avionic Apprentice with Aer Lingus in 1990. During this time, he gained significant experience in a wide area of the airline maintenance and engineering environment including helping to restore the Iolar, a De Havilland DH84 Dragon. Based in Toulouse for a period of time he was responsible for the technical delivery management of Airbus aircraft to the airline.

    Most recently, Philip served as the Chief Technical Officer for Shannon Technical Services, a global technical services provider for aircraft owners, lessors, and airlines. As part of the senior leadership team, Philip established the Continuous Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) department for a wide range of regional, commercial, and corporate aircraft, including several helicopter types.

    Prior to that, Philip was a Technical Operations Manager for Nordic Aviation Capital, where he gained a perspective on the regional aircraft leasing business, including managing aircraft deliveries and returns, to and from various international airlines.

    Philip earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in Aircraft Engineering from Kingston University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and an Incorporated Engineer with the U.K. Engineering Council. Philip also holds an EASA Part 66 and National Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s License from the Irish Aviation Authority.

    Sean Raftery
    Board Member

    Sean Raftery has more than 40 years of aviation experience, including over 25 with Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. Based in Stansted, United Kingdom, Sean was previously in the Royal Air Force where he worked in air traffic control. In 2002, he was appointed Managing Director of Universal Aviation U.K. – London-Stansted and in 2010 took on the additional responsibilities as Managing Director of Ireland.

    Under Sean’s leadership, Universal Aviation U.K. – London-Stansted and Universal Aviation Ireland, with FBO locations at Dublin and Shannon, have continued to grow and add new services, including the UK based European Operations Centre. Sean has also been instrumental in Universal Aviation continuing to upgrade its facilities including project management of the complete refurbishment of Universal Aviation U.K. – London-Stansted and the remodeling of Universal Aviation Shannon. In 2020 Universal Aviation opened up at RAF Northolt and Sean took further responsibility as Universal’s Director for northern Europe.

    Well respected within the business aviation industry, Sean has worked closely with government officials to develop and implement industry leading practices and was highly instrumental in influencing the U.K. government for fairer and better immigration procedures for visiting business jet passengers.

    • Josh Stewart
      Founding Chairman

      Josh Stewart is a seasoned leader in the aviation industry with over 30 years of experience. As the Founding Chairman of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) Josh represents Ireland on the International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC) Governing Board and is committed to championing and helping safeguard an industry that he is deeply passionate about. Josh is the founder & CEO of Robusto Capital and XJet.

      A Belfast native and former RAF Volunteer Reserve pilot (ULAS), Josh has been a keen aviator since a young age and worked as a bush pilot in Africa during the early stages of his career. This involved providing humanitarian air support for many NGOs, including the United Nations World Food Programme and the International Red Cross. He has since accumulated over 5,000 flight hours as an FAA-rated Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and commercially rated helicopter pilot.

      In 2003, Josh was introduced to the Educo® Model and it was at this seminar, that he developed his invincible vision for a new type of business aviation company, and XJet® was born.

      XJet® disrupted the status quo by designing a revolutionary business model with world-class facilities, seven-star service, and transparent economics with jet fuel at cost. This was implemented with the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Denver, Colorado opening in 2006 and immediately establishing a new benchmark for business aviation.  XJet consistently ranked as the number 1 business aviation company in the Americas for multiple years consecutively.

      In 2014, XJet® secured the largest private hangar in Europe, at London-Stansted Airport, and carried out a comprehensive upgrade to cater to heads of state and the VVIP market. XJet London was also awarded the top spot in the annual rankings for Europe and the rest of the world.  Under Josh’s leadership, XJet® rapidly rose from an industry start-up to a challenger brand to the world’s number-one-ranked business aviation company.

      In 2018, XJet completed a successful exit to Tiger Infrastructure Partners ($3.2B AUM) with Josh being retained as a strategic advisor for 3 years.  TIP utilized XJet as a platform to create and develop a network of FBO’s, growing from just one location with the acquisition to 16 locations and counting.  Josh retained ownership of the XJet Model and trademark.

      Outside of aviation, Josh has 15 years of experience in the energy sector.  He was a director and shareholder in Belize Natural Energy (BNE) from 2008 to 2020. BNE was founded by a group of Irish investors trained in the Educo® Model, who came together and discovered the first oil in Belize. BNE is powered by a 97% Belizean team and has consistently been the number-one revenue generator in Belize, contributing more than US $240 million in government revenues and gaining global recognition for its award-winning holistic model.

      At BNE, Josh saw an opportunity to create and develop the country-to-country relationship between the UAE and Belize, as no formal links had previously existed between the two countries resulting in virtually no trade or investments between them.  He began by leading high-level government delegations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belize and was subsequently responsible for the establishment of formal bilateral relationships between the UAE and Belize with the signing of the bilateral trade and investor protection agreements at the United Nations Headquarters in 2015.

      This was followed by the signing of a bilateral economic cooperation agreement at the UAE Ministry of Economy in 2019. As a result of these delegations, trade agreements, and treaties, investment has flowed from the UAE into Belize from both the government and private sectors as the county-to-county alliance continues to strengthen.

      In 2019 Josh launched his own investment company Robusto Capital in the international financial center of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) unifying his business portfolio under one structure. Robusto Capital has active investments in the aviation, energy, and non-profit sectors as it continues to develop additional bilateral partnerships with new investments.

    • Dave Scully
      Founding Vice-Chairman

      Dave Scully is the Founding Vice-Chairman of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) and COO of Alliance Aviation Group Ireland. Alliance Aviation Group is a fully licensed ground handler with its own commercial aircraft operations holding an EASA AOC. With fixed base operations at Shannon and Dublin Airport, in addition to aircraft management, hangarage and jet charter sales.

      A stalwart of Irish business and general aviation, Dave has close to two decades of experience in aviation operations at senior management level. He previously held the positions of Managing Director Airlink Airways Ltd t/a Private Sky and Director of Operations at Dublin-Weston Executive Airport and was also the founder of AEM Limited Aviation Consultancy.

      Over the years, he has been the driving force for many business aviation special events. In addition to being the Founder of the Bray International Air Show, Dave organised Ireland’s first helicopter exhibition, the Irish Heli Expo, in 2007. He has also overseen such VVIP helicopter operations as the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ireland and Punchestown Festival Helicopter Operations.

      Equipped with a diverse and invaluable set of specialities, including aviation management and consultancy, airport management and development, airport operations management, and VVIP Handling – Dave has established himself as a leading industry figure and innovator.

      Moreover, his proven track record of managing several key aviation projects from concept to execution, along with his comprehensive expertise of EU-OPS and ICAO Legislation, the helicopter and corporate jet market, FBO management, business development, and marketing, has made him an invaluable asset to Irish business and general aviation as a whole.

      A widely respected advocate for the development and growth of business aviation in Ireland, Dave has an in-depth knowledge and experience of aviation regulatory requirements, as well as an extensive understanding of both national and international aviation business.

    • Joe Buckley
      Founding Executive Director

      Joe Buckley is the Founding Executive Director of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association IBGAA. An aviation industry veteran, with over 40 years of extensive experience working for Shannon Airport – Joe has held several executive roles within airport operations and business development.

      Since the early 80s, Joe has been involved at a national and international level on a number of issues of strategic importance to Shannon Airport, having served as a Director on several Shannon Airport and Shannon Group boards.

      In 2007, Joe took on a new role with Shannon Airport and assumed responsibility for technical traffic development. He went on to successfully position Shannon as the number one Airport on the North Atlantic for technical stops by business jets. He also actively promoted the development of a Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation in Shannon.

      An early advocate of extending US preclearance to business aviation, Joe played a key role in the subsequent opening of the world’s first US preclearance facility in Shannon. The facility allows passengers on business jets to preclear US Immigration & Customs at Shannon and fly directly to more than 200 US airports. He also contributed significantly to a compliant catering trial, which would enable business jets to fly to any airport in the US from Shannon.

      The pivotal part he played in developing preclearance for business aviation gained international recognition and he was the first Irish person to be named one of the ‘Top European Business Aviation Leaders for 2013’ by the prestigious Aviation Week magazine.

      Through his work with numerous US non-scheduled carriers, Joe has generated new business and secured the use of Shannon for those carriers as their main European base for technical stops on the North Atlantic.

      He has collaborated with both political and commercial VIP’s to develop relationships of long-term business and strategic benefit to Shannon Airport, as well as serving as a representative for Shannon in several international aviation industry associations. These include the NBAA, NACA, and EBAA. He is also a member of the EBAA’s Advocacy Committee.

      Since availing of early retirement in September 2020, Joe continues to provide strategic support on several aviation-related projects at both Board and Executive level. In his role as Founding Executive Director of the IBGAA, he contributes expert advocacy support and promotes the growth of general aviation traffic at Irish airports, with the aim of facilitating FDI, tourism and technical traffic stops.

    • Keith McKay
      Board Member

      Keith McKay is a Founding Member of the Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) and Operations Manager & Business Development Manager at Woodgate Aviation, the Belfast International Airport based fixed wing air ambulance operator, private jet management company, charter broker, FBO and general aviation maintenance provider.

      After 14 years in the airline industry, Keith joined the team at Woodgate Aviation in 2012, bringing with him his knowledge of operational and service delivery. In his current Business Development role, Keith’s work ethic is respected for increasing Woodgate Aviation’s brand awareness via social media platforms, marketing campaigns, the introduction of a new company website and organizing and promoting highly successful local business aviation product placement and showcase events in Northern Ireland.

      Moreover, Keith is also Operations Manager of Woodgate Aviation where he now oversees the efficient running of the Ground Operations Department, supporting the Northern Ireland Fixed Wing Air Ambulance Operation, the company’s managed private jet fleet as well as VIP customer ground handling.

      Established in 1969, Woodgate Aviation is a prime example of Irish Aviation’s rich legacy, making it, one of, or if not the oldest general aviation companies still flying from the island of Ireland.

    • Kenneth Fielding
      Board Member

      Kenneth Fielding is the General Manager for Signature Flight Support in Shannon. Signature Flight Support are the world’s largest Fixed Base Operator with over 200 locations worldwide including Shannon and Dublin providing essential support services for business and private aviation including ground handling, refueling and a variety of other world-class amenities with exceptional customer service.

      Kenneth began working for Signature in 2005 as a customer service representative then taking on the role of Operations Manager in 2014. In 2015 he was promoted to the position of General Manager for the Shannon base. In his current role as General Manager he is responsible for the day to day running of the Shannon base, delivering a consistent 5 star level of service for Signature customers while maintaining a strong safety culture.

      In his time at Signature Kenneth has co-ordinated many high level visits for Presidential and VVIP operations while also achieving International Standard for Business Aviation Handling Stage I and Stage 2 accreditations for the Shannon base.

    • Angie Deady-Fiddler
      Board Member

      Angie Deady-Fiddler is a director of Martyn Fiddler Aviation based at their Irish office. Angie oversees and manages customs businesses in Ireland, UK, Isle of Man and the Netherlands. Having previously worked extensively in customer service roles and administration services, Angie joined the business in 2000 and has led the customs team for over 20 years, growing it to be a globally recognised brand within the business aviation sector.

      Martyn Fiddler Aviation are Europe’s leading business aviation customs and VAT specialists and also provide regulated corporate services and tax advice across multiple jurisdictions. AEO approved in both the UK and Isle of Man, Martyn Fiddler Aviation hold a number of customs authorisations including Customs Warehousing, Inward Processing and T1 Transit.

      Angie’s in-depth knowledge and experience of customs rules allow her to offer solutions and navigate the clearance of client aircraft with minimal delay and inconvenience.

    • Liam Murphy
      Board Member

      Liam Murphy is the Regional FBO Manager for Alliance Flight Support based at Dublin & Shannon Airport, Ireland. Alliance Flight Support as part of the wider Alliance Aviation Group, offer VIP GA handling & facilities to operators at both locations with dedicated hangar space, airside lounges and GSE equipment. Alliance also offer Aircraft Management options as well as dedicated Trip Support Services available 24/7/365.

      Liam has over 20 years’ Aviation experience and has primarily been involved in the Business Aviation sector for much of that period encompassing a variety of roles involving Customer Service, Safety & Training and Operations. As part of his experience, Liam spent a number of years as the Director of Ground Operations for one of Irelands leading and most distinguished Charter operators. It was in this role that the requirement and necessity for a national association for Business Aviation became apparent so that the industry could become more efficient, productive, and successful.

      As Alliance Flight Support has Irish offices in both Shannon and Dublin, Liam is extremely well focused on the issues that face the Business Aviation community in Ireland and how we can develop and progress our industry further.

    • Jim O Sullivan
      Board Member

      Jim O Sullivan has been in the aviation since 1994 and started Exjets Ltd in 2018, Exjets specialized in leasing and charter of upmarket luxury jets on worldwide International routes.

      Exjets are 100% committed to providing a first-class, personal service with flight schedules tailored specifically to meet your requirements. Exjets’ values are centered entirely around servicing its customers more effectively than the competition by delivering better value, more creative flight routes, and superior advice. As a result, Exjets has successfully outgrown the market and the competition. We believe that if we take better care of our clients everything else will follow.

    • Alan Nee
      Board Member

      Alan Nee is a Licensed FAA, EASA, UK, ATPL Corporate Jet and Helicopter pilot himself, has extensive operational experience in the Americas, Caribbean, EMEA regions having established his first aviation business 28 years ago.

      Past operational roles have included: CEO and Accountable Manager for Premier Aviation Ltd. (Helicopter AOC), CEO and Accountable Manager for Premier Executive Jets. (Jet AOC). The various sister companies primarily focus on Aircraft Sales, Consultancy, Leasing, and Finance brokerage, with growing expansion into various Middle Eastern countries.

      Alan has an excellent working relationship with Embraer, Dassault, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Cessna, Airbus, Leonardo, Bell and Sikorsky, having purchased aircraft over many years from these manufacturers for resale and leasing and on behalf of discerning UHNWI clients and corporations.

    • Peter Costelloe
      Board Member

      Peter Costelloe is the founder of By Appointment DMC which has successfully grown an executive concierge business from Ireland to now being present in five countries across two continents.

      Peter’s achievements include logistical planning for a vast array of A list celebrities, government officials and the senior decision makers within large multinational companies. Peter has been involved in the logistical support for four U.S. Presidential visits to Ireland and received a personal thank you from President Barack Obama after his trip to Ireland in May 2011.

      Prior to founding By Appointment DMC, Peter worked for a global corporate aviation company where he held several managerial roles. Peter’s objective is to ensure that the team in By Appointment DMC are constantly adapting to our clients’ needs while simultaneously focusing on how to develop new and unique experiences ensuring we can provide that WOW factor for our guests. Peter’s mantra which he likes to share with the By Appointment DMC team, mirrors that of his favourite sporting team “Impossible is Nothing”. .

    • Brian Tuohy
      Board Member

      In the ever-evolving world of aviation, I find myself grateful for the opportunities to grow and contribute. My career began with airlines like Ryanair and Emirates, and now I’m at ACASS Ireland, where I am Director of Flight Operations.

      Education has been a cornerstone of my journey, leading me to complete a BSc in Aviation Technology and a Ba in Business and Management. I’m currently enriching my understanding with diplomas in Airworthiness Management, Sustainable work and a master’s in professional practice.

      Home is Shannon, where I cherish time with my family. Away from work, I’m either tackling a DIY project or enjoying a game of golf.

      I am committed to being a supportive colleague and leader. I look forward to sharing the path ahead with the IBGAA team

    • Colin Dunne
      Board Member

      Colin joined Jetcraft in 2019 as a Sales Manager supporting the Northern European and Middle East regions before being promoted to Sales Director in 2023. ​

      In his current role, he leads sales initiatives in the US Midwest. Since joining Jetcraft, Colin has supported over $1bn worth of aircraft transactions, using modern day sales and marketing strategies to successfully build and maintain relationships and ultimately negotiate and close aircraft transactions. ​

      Prior to Jetcraft, Colin held roles across the aerospace, energy and construction industries in a mix of engineering, project management and business development capacities, including a two-year tenure working with aircraft owners, airlines, lessors and MROs at AerData/Boeing.​

      Colin holds an Engineering Degree from Trinity College Dublin, an MBA from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Dublin and a Certificate in Aviation Leasing and Finance.

      Colin is originally from Dublin, Ireland and is now based in Chicago, Illinois having recently relocated from Jetcraft’s London HQ.

    • Wayne Pollock
      Board Member

      Wayne Pollock is founder and CEO of WP Exclusive Luxury, a very private and discreet luxury travel and lifestyle management consultancy with UHNW clients across the globe.

      For over 35 years, Wayne has led the business to achieving more industry awards than any other UK independent consultancy in this specialist niche. With clients ranging from Hollywood A listers to captains of industry, his reputation, whilst below the radar publicly, is highly respected by the leaders in high-end travel, hospitality, private aviation, luxury yachts, private islands and global property.

      Wayne enjoys enduring relationships with the owners and managers of the best of the best across the globe which he has meticulously forged over almost four decades. It is these relationships, that money cannot buy, that enable him and his team to provide a highly personal, bespoke and incomparable service to a very select clientele who demand the ultimate in the use of their precious time in both business and leisure.

      From unforgettable rustic five star culture experiences to lavish seven star luxury, WPEL are the best kept secret for those who want the highest levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism backed by the sort of hands-on experience and knowledge that is unashamedly unique in the industry.

    • Philip Bartlett
      Board Member

      Philip Bartlett is the Director of Irish Search and Rescue (SAR) at Bristow Ireland Limited and is responsible for leading the Bristow Ireland team in delivering life-saving missions across the country.

      With over 34 years of experience in Irish and U.K. aviation, Philip began his aviation career as an Avionic Apprentice with Aer Lingus in 1990. During this time, he gained significant experience in a wide area of the airline maintenance and engineering environment including helping to restore the Iolar, a De Havilland DH84 Dragon. Based in Toulouse for a period of time he was responsible for the technical delivery management of Airbus aircraft to the airline.

      Most recently, Philip served as the Chief Technical Officer for Shannon Technical Services, a global technical services provider for aircraft owners, lessors, and airlines. As part of the senior leadership team, Philip established the Continuous Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) department for a wide range of regional, commercial, and corporate aircraft, including several helicopter types.

      Prior to that, Philip was a Technical Operations Manager for Nordic Aviation Capital, where he gained a perspective on the regional aircraft leasing business, including managing aircraft deliveries and returns, to and from various international airlines.

      Philip earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in Aircraft Engineering from Kingston University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and an Incorporated Engineer with the U.K. Engineering Council. Philip also holds an EASA Part 66 and National Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s License from the Irish Aviation Authority.

    • Sean Raftery
      Board Member

      Sean Raftery has more than 40 years of aviation experience, including over 25 with Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. Based in Stansted, United Kingdom, Sean was previously in the Royal Air Force where he worked in air traffic control. In 2002, he was appointed Managing Director of Universal Aviation U.K. – London-Stansted and in 2010 took on the additional responsibilities as Managing Director of Ireland.

      Under Sean’s leadership, Universal Aviation U.K. – London-Stansted and Universal Aviation Ireland, with FBO locations at Dublin and Shannon, have continued to grow and add new services, including the UK based European Operations Centre. Sean has also been instrumental in Universal Aviation continuing to upgrade its facilities including project management of the complete refurbishment of Universal Aviation U.K. – London-Stansted and the remodeling of Universal Aviation Shannon. In 2020 Universal Aviation opened up at RAF Northolt and Sean took further responsibility as Universal’s Director for northern Europe.

      Well respected within the business aviation industry, Sean has worked closely with government officials to develop and implement industry leading practices and was highly instrumental in influencing the U.K. government for fairer and better immigration procedures for visiting business jet passengers.