Photo by: Ben Woodhall, AvCon Photos: by Shannon Irvine Photography & Team
AvCon 2025 – The Future of Aviation & Aerospace, hosted by the Irish Air Corps in collaboration with TYHub.ie, brought together a record-breaking 8,000 students and teachers in person, with thousands more joining via TYHub Live from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, and Europe — making it the largest aviation and aerospace careers event for students ever held in Ireland.
The event, held in the historic Hangar 4 at Casement Aerodrome, has rapidly become a cornerstone in Ireland’s educational and industry calendar. AvCon bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers, offering an unparalleled opportunity for students to explore pathways in aviation, aerospace, space technology, logistics, and engineering.
The day opened with a special video address from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, followed by a welcome from Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding the Irish Air Corps.
Under the guidance of presenters Ally Garvey and Paul Butler Lennox, the six-hour AvCon Live broadcast featured over 50 national and international speakers and exhibitors, sharing insights from across the global aviation and aerospace community.
A Day of Discovery and Inspiration
Students experienced an immersive and interactive showcase of aviation and aerospace in action — from the roar of engines on static display to hands-on activities and live demonstrations that brought classroom learning to life.
Exhibitors and speakers from across the aviation, logistics, defence, and STEM sectors provided real insights into career pathways and future technologies shaping the industry.
Among the highlights were aircraft displays from the Irish Air Corps, AFTA, National Flight Centre, Pilot Path Group, and the Leinster Gliding Centre, alongside engaging exhibitions from organisations such as Aer Lingus, Kuehne + Nagel, Radio Scouting Ireland, and a host of engineering, recruitment, and technology partners.
Together, they showcased how interconnected the aviation, aerospace, logistics, and communications industries are — and how students’ skills can translate across multiple disciplines.
The atmosphere inside Hangar 4 reflected the scale of the collaboration, with over 50 speakers and exhibitors engaging directly with students through live interviews, simulators, and interactive demonstrations designed to spark curiosity and confidence.
From sustainability and space exploration to flight operations and engineering innovation, AvCon gave students an unprecedented opportunity to explore Ireland’s role in the global aviation and aerospace ecosystem.
This year’s AvCon also welcomed attendees from Northern Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe, cementing its reputation as a growing international hub for youth engagement and skills development in aviation and STEM.
AvCon brought together over 100 industry, education, and government representatives, underscoring its increasing importance as a national forum for collaboration and future workforce planning within the aviation and aerospace sectors.
Schools Reflect on AvCon 2025
“Great event yesterday. The lads had a great day out. Thanks a mill!”
– Kellie, St David’s College, Dublin
“Just to say a huge thank you for organising a wonderful event. My 50 students had a wonderful day.”
– Margo McGann, Programme Coordinator, St Augustine’s College, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
“Some of our TY students attended AvCon at the Irish Air Corps, Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel today! They learned about real-world pathways in aviation, aerospace, space tech, UAS, simulation, sustainability, air traffic, engineering, and more!”
– St Brendan’s Community School, Birr, Co. Offaly
These testimonials underline AvCon’s unique impact – combining inspiration with opportunity, and ensuring students can see and experience what a career in aviation and aerospace truly involves.
“AvCon is more than an event – it is a movement that connects education, innovation, and opportunity,” said Fiona Forkan, Founder of AvCon & TYHub.ie.
“The enthusiasm from students, the dedication of teachers, and the commitment of our partners across industry and government show that Ireland’s next generation of aviation and aerospace talent is ready to take flight.”
Replays of the AvCon Live broadcast, including the Taoiseach’s message and the Air Corps opening, are now available via YouTube and www.AvCon.ie, alongside event highlights and galleries.
