Ireland is a global leader in aircraft financing and leasing. Approximately 50% of the world’s leased aircraft are managed or leased through this small, but mighty, island where the presence of top aviation senior leadership coupled with a buoyant economic climate, favourable trading conditions and clear opportunities for local expansion are increasingly attracting emerging aviation leasing companies.

A favourable corporate tax regime, double tax treaties, first-rate infrastructure, highly skilled talent pool and rich aviation heritage, are among the reasons why the Irish aviation market has grown exponentially in recent years. Today, Ireland is an unrivalled centre of excellence within the aviation sector.

Ireland is also home to many of the world’s top technology companies including giants like Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Adobe, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Yahoo, Expedia and eBay. There is a rich eco-system of high calibre, indigenous businesses and Ireland is a leader in the fintech arena.

Against this backdrop, and coupled with momentum in the Irish economy and increasing FDI, the war for talent is intense. Aviation organisations must consider how to compete for ‘hot skills’ in their sector now, and in the future. To deliver sustainable competitive advantage, established lessors or those seeking to build a presence in the Irish market, must ensure that their Employee Value Proposition (EVP) (exhibit 1) differentiates their organisation from its competitors. The EVP impacts external and internal talent, influencing why people join and stay, and establishing what the organisation expects of them and what they can expect in return.