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Excellent workforce and lifestyle give Shannon Region competitive edge
the world-
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The availability of a quality workforce holds the key to the Shannon Region’s strong global impact on the aviation sector currently, according to the head of a Westpark-based firm that celebrates 25 years in business this year. The excellent labour pool, coupled with the region’s strong appeal as a lifestyle location, are also key selling points that can pave the way for a significant expansion of the sector in future years, said Julie Dickerson. South African-born Ms Dickerson is Managing Director of Shannon Engine Support (SES), which is a leading global player in commercial aircraft engine leasing (see separate article). “The Region has developed an incredible level of expertise and experience in the aviation sector as a result of the pioneering work of companies such as GPA and GECAS,” said Ms Dickerson. She also praised the efforts of educational institutions, such as the University of Limerick, and aircraft maintenance firms like Shannon Aerospace in nurturing highly qualified graduates and apprentices. “A rich talent pool of aviation-related skills, ranging from financial services to aircraft maintenance, has been assembled. In the aircraft leasing sector alone, you have financial, legal, taxation, sales, technical and other experts employed,” Ms Dickerson added.
Julie Dickerson, Managing Director of Shannon Engine Support (SES)
The excellence of the region’s labour force, not just in aviation but also in engineering, biomedical and other sectors, is something that merits being promoted strongly. “So too does the appeal of the West of Ireland as an ideal place to live, work, bring up children and enjoy wonderful amenities in a rich community environment,” the SES MD stressed.
Westpark-based SES celebrates 25th anniversary Celebrating 25 years in business this year, Shannon Engine Support (SES) specialises in commercial aircraft engine leasing, particularly of the CFM product line. Located at Westpark Business Campus since 2008, SES experts manage a portfolio of CFM56 engines, comprising its owned fleet and those owned by third-party investors. Together, these engines support more than 120 different airlines, MROs and aircraft lessors worldwide. Technical support, logistics, storage and maintenance of the SES pool of engines are provided by strategic alliances with airlines and MRO shops around the world. Airlines lease some or all of their spare engines for increased operational and financial flexibility and, in response to that demand, SES offers a number of engine leasing options, from short-term products and customised programmes to more standard operating lease products. “Our unique selling point is that by continually investing in a high-quality asset class like the CFM56 and developing an expert team, we’ve built up both the scale and experience to deliver the most efficient solutions, irrespective of airline fleet size,” explained Susan Keating, Senior Vice-President Sales & Marketing with SES. SES is a wholly owned subsidiary of CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE and Snecma (Safran).
Why have companies like Part M Aviation opted for Westpark’s Global Business Centre to enable them to grow? See Pages 2-3.
Read about Pepper’s impressive start at Westpark on Page 4.
NEWS ALERT… U.S. cloud computing company, Arista Networks, has set up its international HQ at Westpark – the next edition of ‘Connections’ will have full details about the latest arrival on campus.
www.westparkshannon.com