Full coverage: Aviation

The Irish aviation data management firm Rainmaker Business Technologies has just been sold for at least €10m. But what is the background to the firm? And how did the business attract a suitor?

The former owner of Beauparc Utilities is in discussions with the promoters of a direct jet fuel link between Dublin’s port and airport. Here is the background of the proposed project.

The proposed merger of Avianca with Viva, an airline once owned by Declan Ryan, was designed to create a powerhouse. Almost a year later, the deal has finally been cleared, but the delay led to grounded planes, computer seizures, and jubilation from rivals. What was going on?

From its HQ in north Dublin, ASL Aviation Holdings now owns or part-owns seven airlines around the world and is a global leader in freight transport. But, as its CFO Mark O’Kelly explains, this is just the start, and the company has big plans for the future.

At a recent KPMG Dealmakers event, Andy Cronin, the new chief executive of Avolon, spoke about helping found, float, and take private the aviation leasing giant. He also talked about hiring, the highs and lows of a start-up, and the future of aviation.

Avianca's interest in Viva remains "intact" despite the decision, while a new competitor is entering the South American country's low-fares market.

Ryanair veteran Diarmuid Ó Conghaile was set to head up a new agency overseeing all aspects of aviation regulation. Instead, he is moving on to another role in the industry.

When European sanctions hit aircraft leasing companies’ Russian contracts, they stood to lose everything. Co-ordinated industry and diplomatic lobbying resulted in their insurers being on the hook instead, new documents reveal.

Over two decades as a finance lawyer, Nollaig Murphy got closer and closer to the aviation industry. The opportunity between investors and owners of aircraft seeking buyers triggered his transformation into an entrepreneur.

Airlines have cut losses in 2021 but remain exposed to the pandemic and dependent on government supports. Yet KPMG's aviation finance chief Joe O'Mara explains that successive Covid-19 waves have revealed the aviation industry's ability to rebound.