Bridging The Gap Between Students & Industry
The Irish Aviation Students’ Association (IASA) was founded in 2015 by a group of passionate and driven aviation students who recognised the need for a dedicated platform to connect students with the vast opportunities available in the aviation industry. What started as a student-led initiative has since grown into Ireland’s leading student-run aviation organisation, empowering aspiring professionals from second and third-level education to explore, engage with, and pursue careers in aviation.
What’s in the Article?
This article delves into the rich history of our team, tracing its journey from its inception to where it stands today. It highlights key milestones, achievements, and the impact our members have had over the years. Looking ahead, we outline our ambitious 10-year plan, focusing on growth, innovation, and strengthening our influence within the industry. A crucial part of our success has been the support of our sponsors, whose contributions have enabled us to expand our initiatives and enhance opportunities for our members. Additionally, we explore our participation in the ASG competition, detailing our strategy, performance, and the valuable experience gained from competing at such a high level. This article provides a comprehensive overview of our team’s past, present, and future, emphasising our commitment to excellence and industry engagement.
The Team
IASA is led by a dedicated team of aviation students and professionals committed to connecting students with the wider aviation industry. Their collective efforts help bridge the gap between academia and real-world opportunities, fostering career development, networking, and industry engagement.
GARY NAUGHTON
Gary is the Chairperson of IASA and a dynamic figure in aviation, combining academic pursuits, practical experience and a clear commitment to leadership. Honoured and elected as the Chairperson of the Irish Aviation Students Association (IASA) for 2025/26, he is passionate about supporting IASA’s vision and connecting the next generation of aviation professionals. With a strong background in aviation, he brings a well-rounded perspective, drawing from his experience in flight training. Gary is currently enrolled on his ATPL journey with ASG, employed as an Air Traffic Control Assistant and instructing voucher flights on the XJ simulator at Simtech – all while pursuing his third-level degree in Aviation Management.
ANDREW OSBORNE
Andrew Osborne, who joined IASA in January 2024 as a Student Engagement Officer, now serves as Head of Engagement. Currently studying Aviation Management at DCU, Andrew has played a key role in expanding IASA’s reach, strengthening engagement with students across various institutions, and ensuring widespread participation in IASA events and programs.
CIAN CONNELL
Cian Connell is the Treasurer of IASA. He is currently studying Aviation Management at DCU and has hands-on industry experience, having completed an internship with Eurocontrol in Brussels. Cian joined IASA in January 2024 as an Engagement Officer and has since excelled in various leadership roles.
SIMON KENNY
Simon Kenny is the Secretary of IASA and a final-year Aviation Management student at DCU. Outside of IASA, he is working toward his Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and aspires to become a commercial airline pilot. His passion for aviation is reflected in his dedication to the association and its initiatives.
CLODAGH KEARNS
Clodagh Kearns leads IASA’s marketing efforts as Head of Marketing. A graduate of the University of Limerick, Clodagh previously served as a Marketing Officer before stepping into her current role. She is also a recipient of the AerCap Women in Aviation Scholarship, highlighting her dedication to the industry and student outreach.
SUPPORTING TEAM
IASA’s team includes a Marketing Officer, an Engagement Officer, and a dedicated IT Team. The Marketing Officer collaborates with Clodagh Kearns to enhance brand visibility, promote events, and engage students online. The Engagement Officer supports Andrew Osborne in boosting student participation, building industry connections, and organising networking events. The IT Team manages IASA’s digital infrastructure, ensuring smooth online communication and engagement.
History
The Foundation (2015-2016)
The Irish Aviation Students’ Association (IASA) was founded in 2015 by ambitious aviation students who saw the need for a dedicated platform to bridge the gap between students and the aviation industry. Recognising Ireland’s position as a global aviation hub home to leading airlines, aircraft leasing companies, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) providers, and aviation technology firms, the founders envisioned an organisation that would connect students with industry professionals, career opportunities, and real-world aviation insights.
IASA officially launched its first-ever Aviation Symposium on 21st October 2015, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin. The event attracted over 220 students and industry professionals, marking the beginning of a movement that would soon shape the future of aviation education and networking in Ireland. The symposium showcased IASA’s potential as a catalyst for career development and industry engagement with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions.
Early Growth and Industry Recognition (2017-2019)
Building on the success of its inaugural event, IASA rapidly expanded its initiatives. By 2017, the association had secured support from leading aviation companies, including Avolon, one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing firms, as a platinum sponsor of its third symposium. This period saw IASA’s membership base grow significantly, with increasing participation from students across universities, colleges, and secondary schools in Ireland.
IASA also began offering exclusive industry insights, including site visits to aircraft leasing firms, airline headquarters, and MRO facilities. The introduction of career workshops, CV clinics and networking sessions further solidified its reputation as an essential organisation for students looking to break into the aviation industry.
Expanding Influence and Digital Presence (2020-2022)
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed challenges for student engagement and industry interaction. However, IASA quickly adapted by shifting to a digital-first approach, hosting virtual conferences, webinars, and online networking events that allowed students to continue learning and connecting with industry professionals despite global restrictions.
This period also saw the revamp and relaunch of the IASA website, creating a central hub for students to access aviation career resources, event details, and industry news. With the aviation sector undergoing significant changes due to the pandemic, IASA played a crucial role in keeping students informed about emerging trends, recovery strategies, and new career opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Innovation, Expansion, and the Path Forward (2023-Present)
As the aviation industry rebounded post-pandemic, IASA continued to grow, with a renewed focus on expanding its partnerships, enhancing its events, and introducing new student initiatives. The association strengthened its connections with airlines, leasing companies, regulators, and training providers, ensuring that students had access to firsthand industry insights and mentorship.
Recent milestones include:
- Growing sponsorship support from key aviation players, ensuring sustainable funding for events and scholarships.
- The launch of new programs, including aviation scholarships and leadership development opportunities.
- Enhancing the annual Aviation Symposium, now a must-attend event for students and industry stakeholders alike.
As IASA looks ahead to the future, it remains committed to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and industry connections needed to thrive in the dynamic world of aviation.
10th Year Plans
As IASA enters its tenth year, we are committed to expanding our reach, enhancing our events, and creating even more opportunities for students across Ireland. Our 10-year vision focuses on regional growth, industry collaboration, and student engagement, ensuring that aspiring aviation professionals have access to invaluable networking, career development, and social opportunities.
The IASA Summer Party will bring together all past and present members for an evening of drinks, networking, and shared experiences. This event provides an opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, reminisce about IASA events and trips, and engage with industry professionals. It will serve as a platform for attendees to exchange stories, insights, and career advice while strengthening connections within the aviation community. Additionally, the event aims to unite all IASA committees, fostering collaboration and ensuring a strong network across different cohorts of the association.
Our annual Careers Expo will continue to serve as Ireland’s largest aviation student career event, bringing together airlines, leasing companies, training providers, and aviation professionals under one roof. This event will offer students the chance to connect directly with employers, explore job and internship opportunities, and gain insights from industry experts. The Careers Expo is an essential event for students looking to take the next step in their aviation careers.
The IASA Symposium remains a key part of our yearly calendar, providing a platform for discussions on industry trends, challenges, and innovations. Featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions, this event will continue to inspire and educate students about the future of aviation, giving them firsthand access to leaders in airlines, aircraft leasing, airport operations, and aviation technology.
ASG Scholarship
IASA was thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with ASG, offering one lucky student a fully funded PPL & ATPL theoretical scholarship. This incredible opportunity provides aspiring pilots with access to world-class training, helping them take the first steps toward a career in aviation.
The PPL (Private Pilot Licence) theory course is the perfect starting point for those beginning their pilot journey. This course includes 121 hours of theoretical training, delivered through both remote and classroom learning, providing students with essential foundational knowledge. Valued at €850, the scholarship grants full access to ASG’s comprehensive learning centre, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction.
The ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) theory course, approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), offers in-depth training for those pursuing a professional pilot career. ASG’s state-of-the-art training facility, located near Dublin Airport, provides an exceptional learning environment. The course includes hundreds of high-quality instructional videos, guiding students through every stage of their ATPL studies. This €2,700 scholarship is an unmissable opportunity for anyone serious about becoming a commercial pilot.
IASA was proud to offer this life-changing scholarship in partnership with ASG, a valued and long-standing supporter of aviation students in Ireland. The successful candidate was announced recently as Ben Fitzpatrick, who is currently completing his PPL with Waterford Aero Club.
Sponsors
IASA is proud to collaborate with some of the world’s leading aviation organisations, financial firms, leasing companies, training academies, and professional service providers. These industry partners play a crucial role in supporting IASA’s mission to bridge the gap between students and the aviation sector. Through mentorship, scholarships, internships, and career development opportunities, they help shape the next generation of aviation professionals.
Our Signature Sponsors include top-tier companies such as DAE Capital, a global aircraft leasing leader managing a diverse fleet of 500 aircraft, and EY, which offers extensive graduate programs in aviation finance, risk management, and strategic advisory services. The ISTAT Foundation has contributed over $13.7 million in scholarships and grants, while KPMG and PwC Ireland provide specialised financial and tax services, ensuring Ireland remains a global hub for aircraft leasing. SMBC Aviation Capital, with its fleet of over 1,000 aircraft, offers a competitive two-year graduate program in leasing and asset management, while Aer Lingus continues to invest in future talent through engineering apprenticeships and its Sponsored Future Pilot Programme.
AirNav Ireland, as the national air navigation service provider, plays a vital role in aviation safety and efficiency, while ASG and Pilot Path provide high-quality flight training and pilot development programs. Aviation Skillnet works closely with industry leaders to deliver specialised career training, and Genesis, an innovative aircraft leasing company, manages a fleet spanning 21 countries.
Beyond our signature sponsors, IASA is also supported by key industry partners such as Ryanair, Simtech Aviation, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), ORIX Aviation, Lease Corporation International (LCI), CAE, and many others. Their contributions ensure that aviation students in Ireland have access to invaluable learning experiences, professional development, and career pathways. Through these partnerships, IASA continues to strengthen its role as a vital link between students and the dynamic world of aviation.
Flying In Ireland is a proud supporter of the Irish Aviation Students’ Association.
