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www.AviationPros.com 37 DIARMUID O'SHEA Head of Maintenance, 36, Hongkong Jet, Tung Chung, Hong Kong T he love of engineering/mechanics and a fascination with aircraft and flying attracted Diarmuid O'Shea to aviation. O'Shea spent his first five years completing an apprenticeship and obtaining his basic aeronautical engineering certificates with Team Aer Lingus at Dublin Airport, Ireland. To expand his hori- zons and to learn the trade he worked throughout Europe as a contract engineer, traveling and experiencing all of the different facets and branches of aviation. He came to Hong Kong to continue his career path working first with Metrojet. At the time, Metrojet managed approximate- ly 28 aircraft. He then transitioned to Hongkong Jet and has contributed and participated in its growth. In his current role with Hongkong Jet, as head of maintenance, he is running the maintenance department, putting the building blocks in place to ensure the company can continue to grow. O'Shea holds three aircraft maintenance licenses — EASA B1, FAA A&P;, and HKCAD B1/C. Nominated by Mike Walsh, CEO, Asia Air: "Diarmuid has worked with me for the past eight years in Hong Kong, with Asia Jet being Hongkong Jet's client. Diarmuid has always been our go to for our maintenance issues, scheduled and unscheduled and his commitment and knowledge of problem solving to keep our aircraft in the skies with one of the busiest charter fleets in Asia especially Hong Kong has been second to none. He always answers his cell phone 24/7 even on his days off when he climbs mountains, a passion of his. I think that in itself shows the character of the man to face what seems impossible challenges and find a way to push on and get the job done in a safe and professional manner." O'Shea says,"It can sometimes be challenging for westerners to move to Asia and settle into an engineering job given many of the logistical challenges we face in Asia Pacific region. It requires knowledge and patience beyond the task in hand, which only comes from experience and trial and error. It can be somewhat frustrating at times, with things beyond your control due to a lack of understanding or suitable regulations that cater to non- scheduled business aviation operations. We have also recently seen initiatives by Asian Business Aviation Association to get more involved in engaging young talent and encouraging them to join our field so this is a direction I am looking to get more involved in also." As for the future, he wants to continue to grow his knowledge base through continuous learning, enjoying work, traveling, and experiencing different cultures as he goes.