As an island nation air transport is extremely important to Ireland. It is the primary means people use to get on and off the island, with tens of millions of passengers on flights every year and international airports throughout the island.

Ireland is an established international aviation leasing hub. Well-known commercial passenger airlines here include Aer Lingus, the largest airline operating out of Ireland; Ryanair, which is one of the largest airlines in Europe; CityJet and Aer Arann/Stodart Air.

Careers in aviation can conjure images of adventure, but employment in the sector depends on what part of it you work in. Cabin crew and pilots will follow a different career path to ground crew and security staff at the airport. Wherever you work, it can be interesting work, but with early mornings and late nights. 

The State owns three airports; Dublin, Shannon and Cork. There are also several regional airports around the country (Donegal, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Waterford, Kerry and the Aran islands).   

Pilots and Cabin Crew are probably the most visible employees in the sector, but did you know that 2 out of every 3 people employed in this industry actually work in a ground occupation? Air Traffic Controller, Aircraft Engineer, Aeronautical Inspector and Aeronautical Officer are just some of the many job roles needed to run today's commercial and charter airlines.

The sector also employs aircraft mechanics, service technicians, cargo and baggage handlers, reservation and ticket agents and a wide range of clerical staff. 

Aviation is a complex industry and one with an extremely high focus on quality, this means that wherever you work there will be pressure and strong demands for attention to detail and quality control.