The Aviation Industry Awards Ireland have officially launched for 2026, once again setting the stage to celebrate the very best of innovation, leadership and operational excellence across the country’s aviation sector. With entries now open, organisations of all sizes, from flying clubs and training organisations to airlines, leasing companies and service providers, are being invited to showcase their achievements over the past year.
Since their establishment in 2014, the Aviation Industry Awards have grown into one of the most prestigious accolades in Irish aviation. They are widely recognised as a benchmark for organisations that demonstrate best practice, forward-thinking innovation and a commitment to advancing the sector.
Ireland’s aviation ecosystem is globally significant, particularly in aircraft leasing, training, and MRO services, and these awards provide an important platform to highlight the people and companies driving that success.
Key Dates for 2026
The 2026 awards programme is already underway, with a clear timeline for entrants and industry stakeholders:
- Entries Opened: June 9th, 2026
- Entries Close: August 21st, 2026
- Finalists Announced: October 2nd, 2026
- Awards Gala: December 3rd, 2026
The awards ceremony will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin Airport, bringing together hundreds of senior aviation professionals for an evening of recognition and networking.
Entry is free, with submissions assessed by an independent judging panel of aviation professionals bound by strict confidentiality agreements and conflict of interest declarations. Winners take home a prestigious accolade and post-awards media coverage.
The programme is supported by Gold Sponsors Aviation Skillnet, a non-profit dedicated to building expertise and competitiveness across the aviation sector, and Leasepoint, a global leader in aircraft lease management software trusted by over half of the world’s top 20 lessors. Amárach Research serves as a Supporter, while The Irish Times is a Communications Partner.
The 2026 programme spans 25 categories covering the full breadth of the sector, from Aviation Company of the Year and Aircraft Leasing Company of the Year to Aviation Innovation Award, Best Use of Technology and Green Impact Award. People and culture categories include Women in Aviation, Aviation Rising Star, Best Place to Work in Aviation, People Development Award and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy of the Year, among others.
For details on how to enter, please visit here.
