Today, at the University of Limerick, a new award, the Fiachra Treacy ORIX Aviation Award was launched in memory of Fiachra Treacy, who had been an integral part of the ORIX Aviation team for over three years, until he died tragically in January 2020. Fiachra graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from UL in 2000 and pursued his passion for aviation through a successful career, working with various leading aviation companies in Seattle, Bristol and Dublin, prior to joining ORIX Aviation.

Fiachra was a keen aerospace enthusiast and an active member of several clubs and societies during his undergraduate years. He always spoke fondly of his time at the university, during which he made many life-long friendships and also met his wife Cróine, herself a UL Alumna. Speaking about the scholarship, Cróine Treacy said: “UL holds many happy memories for Fiachra, I, his many friends and especially the Aero Eng class of 2000. On behalf of Fiachra’s family, his friends and our three girls I would like to thank ORIX Aviation for their generosity. It means a great deal to us that Fiachra’s love for Aeronautical Engineering will continue in the next generation of UL Engineers”.

The new award at the University of Limerick, which is being gifted through the University of Limerick Foundation, will award two final-year Bachelor or Masters of Aeronautical Engineering students with a bursary of €2,500 to assist with their studies at the university. The first two successful recipients will receive their awards in 2021.

Speaking about the newly launched award, Mike MacConnie, Chief Operations Officer at ORIX Aviation said: “Fiachra was an invaluable colleague within the ORIX Aviation team in Dublin. We support this award to honour the memory of our dear friend and colleague.”

The University of Limerick is pleased that ORIX Aviation has decided to pay tribute to Fiachra’s memory in this way, so that his spirit, passion and dedication to aviation will continue through current and future students who receive this award.

Speaking about the Award, Sarah Hartnett, Director of Development at the UL Foundation said: “We at the University and Foundation are very touched and honoured that ORIX Aviation have chosen to remember Fiachra in this way. It’s very fitting that his spirit will continue through students who receive this award based on a shared passion for aviation”.

ORIX Aviation announced today that Helfried Schwarz will be joining the company’s legal team based in Dublin as General Counsel and Mike MacConnie will step up to the role of Chief Operating Officer, in addition to his current role of Chief Technical Officer.

Mr. Schwarz was previously a partner in Milbank LLP’s Transportation and Space Group where he practiced for over 30 years, having worked in their New York, Frankfurt and London offices. He joined ORIX Aviation on 15th February and he will become ORIX Aviation’s General Counsel, effective April 1, 2021, replacing Dean Gerber, who will be leaving the company to pursue opportunities closer to his home in the United States. Mr. Schwarz is widely recognized as a leading aviation practitioner, including by Chambers, Legal 500 and Legal Media Group, and is active in a variety of industry led organizations including the Legal Advisory Panel to the Aviation Working Group.

James Meyler, Chief Executive Officer at ORIX Aviation has said “I would like to thank Dean for his contribution to the company’s success and I am very excited to welcome Helfried to ORIX Aviation’s Dublin office. Helfried possesses tremendous legal and aviation knowledge and experience that will further build and enhance our global business. He has a demonstrated history of success and achievement and I am delighted to have him join our team.”

On Mike’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer, James said, “We are delighted to have Mike step up to take on the role of COO in addition to his role as CTO of ORIX Aviation. Mike brings such huge experience from GECAS and multiple airlines, with almost 40 years of technical expertise, all of which is especially needed in these challenging times”.

“I am thrilled to join ORIX Aviation. I look forward to building on the excellent foundation of the legal team and contributing to ORIX Aviation’s continued success” stated Mr. Schwarz.

“I am both humbled and eager to take on this additional role while continuing to work with such a great team“ comments Mr. MacConnie.

ORIX Aviation have been appointed as the exclusive remarketing agent in respect of a package of fourteen aircraft, consisting of twelve B737 MAX-8 (LEAP 1B engines) and two B787-9 (Trent 1000 engines), on behalf of the secured financiers of the aircraft. All 14 aircraft are currently leased to Norwegian Air Shuttle. James Meyler, ORIX Aviation’s CEO, remarked: “We are very excited to be able to offer these aircraft to the market. We look forward to showcasing ORIX Aviation’s best-in-class remarketing and asset management services with the added benefit of providing an excellent opportunity to our customers to secure these aircraft through lease or sale. These fourteen B737 MAX 8 and B787-9 aircraft will present attractive options for our airline customers and trading partners that are seeking to immediately access two of the most fuel efficient and desirable narrowbody and widebody aircraft types available.”

ORIX Aviation noted they will be imminently bringing the package of aircraft to the market for sale or lease.

ORIX Aviation are proud to announce that an incredible total of €38,354 was raised during our annual ORIX Aviation Christmas Raffle held this week. This year, proceeds will go towards assisting charities such as the Lions Club, ORBIS, PAWS Animal rescue and other local causes around the country.

The Lions Club work with local communities and charities; next year this will include support of Blackrock Hospice, who provide specialised palliative care services. Last year, the funds donated by ORIX Aviation to the Lions Club were used to build a serenity and therapy garden in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire for use by the patients.

Well done to everyone involved and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!