Shannon-based aviation specialist Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) has announced the appointment of Eva O’Keeffe as Chief Aviation Services Officer and Susan Keating as Chief Commercial Officer.
The company last year announced the acquisition of Lufthansa Technik Shannon LTD (LTSL) and its aviation maintenance services operations. When the acquisition closes on the 31st of March this year, AAG will add over 300 staff to its existing 436 strong Irish and UK-based workforce.
Despite the challenges facing some parts of the aviation sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, AAG has continued to strategically develop its customer base and international reach as an aviation solutions company.
The business, acquired in April 2015 by Patrick Jordan, is now one of Europe’s largest independent aviation solutions company’s offering services in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Aircraft Modifications, Continuous Airworthiness Management, Aviation Training and MRO Defence Services.
The appointment of two senior executives follows steady growth for AAG in 2021 including its acquisition of LTSL. The appointees are:
Eva O’Keeffe, who joins as Chief Aviation Services Officer. An experienced senior executive in multinational and SME sectors in aviation and financial services, Eva was previously vice president, divisional manager with financial services company Northern Trust in Limerick and CEO of leading private executive jet operator Private Sky. Eva is a graduate of Dublin City University and holds a bachelors’ degree in Accounting and Finance and is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Eva started her career in Bank of Ireland and has since held senior roles in finance, operations, compliance, business development and business transformation with Worcester Investments plc, Bank of Butterfield, HSBC Bermuda and University of Limerick.
Susan Keating, who joins as Chief Commercial Officer, is a skilled aviation professional with 20 years’ experience in commercial and executive leadership roles with leading aircraft and engine lessors. She has expertise in international business development, development and implementation of revenue growth strategies and leading commercial teams in the negotiation and execution of complex cross-border aviation asset transactions. In previous roles, Susan was Vice President Sales & Marketing and Head of Commercial at CFM’s Shannon Engine Support (SES). Susan is a graduate of the University of Limerick and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and an MBA in Aviation Management.
Atlantic Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer, Shane O’Neill, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome such high-calibre appointees to the AAG business. Eva, as Chief Aviation Services Officer, will lead our ancillary businesses (CAMO, Part 21 & Part 147 Training) and ensure these business streams are supported for future growth. We are pleased to have someone with Eva’s proven senior leadership experience and experience of leading the growth of businesses with a strong focus on people and customers. We need to ensure we are sufficiently organised from a leadership and management perspective to support our people working in all areas of the business and ensure our customers’ needs are met.
“That’s why we are also delighted to welcome Susan Keating as our new Chief Commercial Officer. Susan will help to ensure all revenue streams of the business continue to thrive and that our brand continues to grow in the civil and defence aviation markets. Susan brings over 20 years aviation experience to the role having worked in front-line commercial and executive leadership positions with leading aircraft and engine lessors, most recently as Head of Global Sales & Marketing for Shannon Engine Support. I greatly look forward to working with both Eva and Susan as we execute our exciting plans for the growth of AAG”.
The company provides a full suite of global services to cargo and passenger aircraft operators including DHL, Ryanair, ASL Airlines, Star Air, TUI Group, Jet 2 and major aircraft lessors such as Aer Cap, Bank of America, SMBC, BBAM, Seraph, Aergo and Avolon. Since 2015 more than 80 apprentices have participated in AAG’s industry-leading four-year Aircraft Maintenance programme. In 2021, AAG completed the acquisition of AAG Defence Services, formerly Flybe Aviation Services (FAS), at Brize Norton.