Shannon Chamber of Commerce

Helen is Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber since 2008, Helen Downes has been instrumental in transforming the Chamber into a dynamic force for regional economic development and business advocacy. Under her leadership, the Chamber has launched a series of strategic initiatives that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally, significantly expanding its membership and influence.

Today, Shannon Chamber represents over 330 companies spanning a wide range of industries, collectively employing approximately 20,000 people in Shannon and the wider region. Helen plays a pivotal role in championing the interests of these members — engaging with key stakeholders, policy makers, and influencers to address barriers to enterprise growth and promote sustainable economic development at local, regional, and national levels.

Strategic Aviation Leader - TU Dublin

From the cockpit of a Mirage fighter jet to the forefront of aviation innovation, my journey has been defined by strategic decision-making, transformative leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Strategic Decision-Making
With over 25 years in the aviation industry, I have consistently made data-driven decisions that balance innovation with compliance. Whether implementing safety protocols or developing regulatory frameworks for aviation in general and UAS/eVTOL in specific, my approach ensures that every decision meets regulatory standards and drives industry advancement.

Transformative Leadership
My career is marked by leading significant transformations. At Air University, I managed the BSc in Aviation Management program, introducing new modules to address evolving industry needs. As a consultant, I have transformed reactive safety measures into predictive, data-driven strategies, enhancing operational efficiencies and safety standards.

CI Facilitator - Atlantic Aviation Group

James has over 35 years’ experience in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector and is currently a continuous improvement facilitator at Atlantic Aviation Group. Transitioning from licenced aircraft engineer into the continuous improvement field 15 years ago, James has extensive knowledge and experience of Lean tools and implementation. James developed the Lufthansa Technik global standard Visual Management System and has led the evolution of Visual Management in aviation MRO in Europe, America, and China.

In addition to his full-time employment at Atlantic Aviation Group, James is expected to graduate with a Masters in Lean Sigma from University of Limerick in 2025.

Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS)

Ian is a Continuous Improvement Engineer with Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS), with over 25 years of experience across the aerospace, medical device, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors. He has held roles in Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Development, Operations and Project Management.

A Mechanical Engineer and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Ian specialises in Lean transformation, process improvement and operational excellence. He holds an MSc in Strategic Quality Management (Lean Sigma Systems) from the University of Limerick, a Specialist Diploma in Six Sigma Black Belt, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management of Operations from Dublin City University and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Galway.

Emerald Aero Group

John Drysdale is the Senior Advisor to the Emerald Aero Group, bringing extensive cross-sector experience spanning airline, MRO, airport, and aircraft leasing operations to the cluster. His expertise encompasses aerospace business development, aircraft leasing, asset management, and airworthiness, giving him a comprehensive command of both commercial dynamics and technical operations.

His robust practical and academic background underpins his strategic leadership in the sector. John holds a First Class Honours degree in Aviation Leadership from Dublin City University (DCU), is a graduate of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Aviation Technical Certificates series, and holds an EASA Part-66 B1 Aircraft Maintenance License.

Beyond executive consulting, John remains actively engaged in the wider aviation ecosystem. He serves as Vice Chairman of Limerick Flying Club and is currently completing his student private pilot journey, maintaining a direct personal connection to general aviation, pilot development, and community-level safety culture. 

IDA Ireland

IDA Ireland's mission is to help encourage world class companies and next generation industry leaders to locate their EMEA and global activties in Ireland. We provide a free one-stop shop for all prospective and existing clients to help them leverage Ireland's capabilites to the maximum and make Ireland as the No.1 location in Europe for multinational firms to do their business.

Currently I am the lead in developing and enhancing Ireland Aviation and Oil & Gas Engineering offerings to world calss companies looking to find the worlds best location to do their business. We work with a wide remit and cover all aspects of Aviation including MRO, Airframe and Component Manufacture, Technology Services and Research. Our clients include Lufthansa Technik, SR Technics, PWA, Moog, Curtiss-Wright and Airbus.