In our “Meet the Team” series, we’re shining the spotlight on skilled professionals behind Magnetic Line. Today, we introduce Conor Kelly from our Dublin station. Conor’s journey in aviation began in 2011 and has since seen him grow from a young engineer to a key member of our DUB team, being recently promoted to a Lead Engineer role. Let’s dive into his story.
Let’s start from the beginning – how did you get into aviation?
Conor: I first started in aviation back in 2011 when I began my degree in Aircraft Systems at IT Carlow. Funny enough, aviation wasn’t always my first interest. I was actually much more into cars growing up. I had always been drawn to engineering, but I was advised to steer away from cars as a career since it might make me lose my passion for them. So, I decided to explore other forms of engineering.
As I progressed through my studies, I gradually developed an interest in aviation. In 2015, I began a traineeship with Ryanair in Dublin, which turned out to be a great introduction to aircraft maintenance. I learned a lot, especially on the 737, and gained valuable experience from the experienced engineers working there. That’s when I started to see a future for myself in aviation.
How did you start working at Magnetic Line?
Conor: When I was doing my 737 type course in 2019, I was in contact with some former colleagues from Ryanair who had joined Magnetic Line (then Direct Maintenance). They put in a good word for me, and I joined as a contractor in September 2019. By December, I became a permanent employee.
Since then, I’ve sat several type courses and earned my B1.1 license. Working in a fast-paced line maintenance environment has sharpened my problem-solving skills and taught me to manage high-pressure situations. What I appreciate the most is working on such a diverse range of aircraft types, from A320s to B787s. The team here has been great too—everyone is always willing to help each other, and that makes a difference in our daily work.
What does your work routine look like, and what do you enjoy the most?
Conor: Our busiest time in Dublin is early morning, with several long-haul flights arriving around 6am. We start our shift before the planes land, preparing for any defects or troubleshooting that might be required. Every day, one of us starts at 4am to handle a cargo flight before the passenger aircraft arrive. Once the aircraft is parked on stand, we communicate with the flight crew on the headset and perform a walkaround check to look for any damage or issues. After addressing any defects and ensuring the aircraft is safe, we certify the tech log, and then the aircraft is good to continue its journey.
One of the highlights of my work is troubleshooting AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations. Solving those issues and getting the aircraft back in the air is very rewarding. The main challenge in the line maintenance business is time pressure. Aircraft grounded for maintenance cost airlines a lot of money, so the pace can get high. However, it’s crucial to remain calm and make sure every task is completed thoroughly to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in aviation?
Conor: I’d say go for it, especially if you enjoy hands-on work. The demand for aircraft engineers and mechanics is growing, and now is a great time to join the industry. Whether you prefer working outside in line maintenance or in a base maintenance hangar, there are a lot of opportunities for a career in this field.
Aviation has its ups and downs, as we saw during the pandemic, but the industry has bounced back. The aviation community is small but global, so you’ll have the chance to work in different countries and meet people from all over the world.
Besides work, what are your hobbies?
Conor: My hobbies tend to be expensive—I love restoring old cars, which has become a costly passion with all the parts and tools I need. I recently bought a house, so DIY has become another hobby, although more out of necessity. I also enjoy playing guitar, and I’m trying to get back into it after neglecting it for a few years. And, thanks to my wife, traveling has become one of my newer hobbies, whether I like it or not.
What’s something surprising about you that many people might not know?
Conor: One thing most people don’t know is that I enjoy going fishing for Dungeness crab during the summer. My wife is originally from the east coast of Washington state in the U.S., so when we visit her family, I look forward to spending time fishing for crab. It’s one of the highlights of our trips.
Conor’s journey from automotive interests to aircraft engineering shows how career paths can evolve in unexpected ways. We’re glad to have Conor as a part of our Dublin team.