Business Person of the Month September 2020: Conor McCarthy’s long-term planning ensures a strong future for Dublin Aerospace

Pictured: Conor McCarthy, executive chairman, Dublin Aerospace

Conor McCarthy is executive chairman of Dublin Aerospace, an aircraft maintenance specialist. He has helped the group expand and maximise profits.

Conor McCarthy is executive chairman of Dublin Aerospace, an aircraft maintenance specialist. He has held this position since February 2009, and during his tenure he has helped the group expand and maximise profits.

In September 2020, it was announced that Dublin Aerospace will hire 29 new apprentices in a move described by Mr McCarthy as opportunity for successful applicants to “earn while they learn.”

The four-year apprenticeship will incorporate 70 weeks in college. The end of the course will see successful applicants earn a qualification in aircraft engineering.

Mr McCarthy added that the reason for taking on apprentices at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is simply down to the company’s dedication to long-term planning.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said of the move: “It’s a huge vote of confidence in the sector.” Dublin Aerospace has increased the numbers it employs by 10 per cent over the past year.

The new apprenticeships come shortly after the company announced a surge in profits. New accounts show that Dublin Aerospace’s pre-tax profits last year increased by 19 per cent to €5.6 million.

The aviation sector continues to be impacted by COVID-19. On Dublin Aerospace’s ability to buck the trend, Mr McCarthy said: “We have managed our cash carefully throughout and have had great support from our key customers including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Jet2 and the huge leasing community here in Ireland which has enabled us to maintain our service levels and employment.”