Aircraft Leasing Ireland is delighted to announce the 2026 ALI Summit, taking place on 10 November at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin. This half-day conference will bring together key stakeholders from across the global leasing and aviation industries to ensure the sector remains fit for the future, exploring leasing’s vital role as a driver of global growth, economic development, and social connectivity. Read the full article here.
Date: Thursday, 12th November 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Location: TU Dublin, Room 259, Bolton Street, Dublin 1, D01 K822 and Online via Zoom
Join Airbus executive and former Head of the A321XLR Programme, Gary O’Donnell, for a fascinating insight into the development, certification and entry into service of the Airbus A321XLR, one of the most significant commercial aircraft programmes of recent years.
Drawing on his experience leading the programme from 2019 through certification and first deliveries, Gary will explain how Airbus transformed the A321neo into an aircraft capable of operating long-haul routes traditionally served by much larger widebody aircraft. The presentation will cover the aircraft’s design evolution, engineering challenges, certification journey and early operational experience.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the aircraft through a unique Airbus 3D application, providing a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the aircraft rarely seen by passengers and highlighting the technologies that enable its extended-range performance.
The A321XLR is expected to play an increasingly important role in Irish aviation, with United Airlines due to introduce the type on Dublin services from December 2026 and Air Canada planning to deploy it on the Toronto-Shannon route from June 2027.
Gary O’Donnell graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Ulster University and has spent 29 years with Airbus, holding senior leadership roles across several major aircraft programmes including the A350, A320neo and ACJ320neo before becoming Head of the A321XLR Programme.
Places are limited and advance registration is required.
Registration is now open for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Annual Safety Conference 2026, taking place in Dublin on 18-19 November 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel, Ballsbridge. Recognised as EASA’s flagship aviation safety event, the conference will bring together regulators, industry leaders, safety professionals and aviation stakeholders from across Europe and beyond.
This year’s theme,“Safety Together: Turning Priorities into Action”, highlights the importance of collaboration across all areas of aviation to maintain and enhance safety standards. Hosted in cooperation with the Irish Aviation Authority and held during Ireland’s EU Presidency, the conference will explore both current and emerging safety challenges facing the aviation sector.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions and interactive debates covering topics such as safety management, leadership, human factors, artificial intelligence, air traffic management systems, adverse weather, supply chain resilience and future operational risks.
The popular Kinsale Aviation Festival is set to return for its sixth edition on Saturday, 28th November 2026, bringing together airline executives, aviation regulators, remarkable flight crews and aviation enthusiasts for an evening of stories and discussion in the heart of West Cork.
Hosted at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, this year’s festival promises a diverse programme featuring senior industry leaders alongside pilots involved in some of aviation’s most extraordinary missions.
Leading the line-up is Ken O’Toole, Group CEO of Manchester Airports Group, who will discuss the operation of Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. Together, the three airports handled a record 66 million passengers in 2025, making the conversation particularly relevant as European aviation continues to grow.
Festival attendees will also hear from Eamonn Brennan, former Director General of Eurocontrol and former Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority. Brennan is one of Ireland’s most respected aviation figures and is expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing European aviation in the years ahead.
For those drawn to aviation adventure, the festival will feature the pilots behind a remarkable Arctic expedition in Antonov An-2 biplanes. The crew will share first-hand accounts of flying the rugged aircraft to the Arctic, offering a unique perspective on one of the more unusual aviation journeys undertaken in recent years.
Adding a humanitarian dimension to the programme, the festival’s Outstanding Achievement Award will recognise the crews of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. The aircraft is the world’s only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital carried aboard an aircraft and has helped provide specialist eye care and training in countries across the globe.
The Kinsale Aviation Festival has built a reputation for combining high-profile industry speakers with inspiring aviation stories in an intimate setting. With just 130 seats available, organisers are encouraging early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are priced between €20 and €55, with dinner packages available. The event takes place at the Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork.
More information, ticket bookings and programme updates are available at kinsaleaviationfestival.ie.
Event Details
Kinsale Aviation Festival 2026
Date: Saturday, 28th November 2026
Venue: Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Tickets: €20 to €55
Capacity: 130 seats
