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In the latest instalment of our alumni spotlight, we meet Kiro Barsoum, an aircraft maintenance and airworthiness engineer with Aer Arann Islands who has had a passion for aviation since he was a child growing up in Tipperary. Kiro completed a BSc in Aircraft Maintenance and Airworthiness before undertaking postgraduate studies in airworthiness, leasing and finance and an MSc in Engineering Practice at ��ɫ��Ƶ.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m originally from Egypt. In the late 1990s, my parents moved to Cahir, County Tipperary, where I was raised. I went to Cahir Boys’ National School and then Coláiste Dún Iascaigh where i grew up throwing paper planes around the classroom. My passion for aviation began when we travelled back home to Egypt every year to see family. Ahead of our journeys abroad, or when we were collecting visitors to Ireland, my father would always take me to Dublin Airport to watch the planes take off and land, which sparked something in me that never left.

Why did you choose to study Aircraft Maintenance & Airworthiness Engineering ��ɫ��Ƶ? 

UL has a great reputation and an amazing campus. After visiting UL for an open day when I was at school, aircraft engineering stood out because it was what I always wanted to do. It mixed practical, real-life engineering with theory and looking back now, it was for sure the right place for me to start a solid career in aviation.

What did you enjoy most about the course?

The course was challenging yet very Interesting. I enjoyed the lab classes and group assignments the most, as well as going to aviation-related events. Having the opportunity to use the UL Flight Simulator was the best part of my Final Year Project, especially the modules related to aerodynamics and flight dynamics.

Can you tell me about your Co-Op experience?

Co-op was a turning point for me. During my third year, I completed an internship with Lufthansa Technik in Shannon as part of our course; this experience complemented my academic journey and gave me a strong foundation.

During my studies, I also had an opportunity to gain experience with another aviation company called Aero Inspection. I worked in their Aircraft Battery Workshop in Dublin Airport and got to travel to over 20 countries working on their Aircraft Powerplant Inspections.

I learned a lot of practical things that I couldn’t have picked up in the classroom. That experience helped me stand out after graduation and played a huge role in shaping the direction of my career.

You decided to pursue further postgraduate study. Can you tell us a bit about those courses and why you decided to undertake further study?

Each postgraduate course I pursued built upon the last. UL offered an amazing master’s path which was flexible and part-time. The Specialist Diploma in Airworthiness helped me deepen my understanding of continuing airworthiness, while the Professional Diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance introduced me to the business side of the aviation industry, especially important given Ireland's leadership in aircraft leasing.

Finally, the MSc in Engineering Practice allowed me to tie these together. My thesis on the sustainability issue faced by aircraft lessors reflected a real-world problem. I was passionate about exploring, having interviewed representatives from major lessors such as SMBC Aviation Capital, and airlines like Etihad, Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Lufthansa.
 

What did you enjoy about UL? What is student life like here?

UL is a unique place and one of the largest universities, it has a great balance. Whether studying in the library, attending events or having a selection of clubs and societies, I always felt like I had space to grow and activities to do. 

I think there is a strong sense of community and support - this was perfect for me. We got to know our lecturers really well, and there was a bond and great “craic” between everyone in the class. Shout-out to Stables for the best chicken fillet rolls. It really was a vibe.

How did your studies prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?

Graduating from the ��ɫ��Ƶ was a strong advantage, even though I finished during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that had a huge impact on the aviation industry. Despite the challenges, I was still able to stand out and gain attention. The Co-Op experience and the modules taught during my course, and the standard, played an important role in preparing me for the workplace.


Tell us about your own career journey so far.

I started with Aero Inspection, where I gained hands-on experience in engine borescoping, aircraft battery systems, and became a Certifier, which qualified me to ensure that the aircraft met all necessary safety and performance standards. I later progressed to a supervisor role and led the setup of a new component workshop in Shannon Airport, one of my proudest achievements. I have always enjoyed developing new ideas and seeing them come to life.

Throughout my career, I have also had the chance to travel globally for work, do some flying myself, and attend aviation seminars in several countries. As part of the research for my master’s thesis, I interviewed high level representatives from the industry, which gave me unique insights into the future of aviation. I also had the chance to complete an online course with MIT titled ‘Introduction to Astronautics & Human Spaceflight’, taught by former NASA astronaut Professor Jeffrey Hoffman. It was an incredible experience.

Now, I am working with Aer Arann Islands in Connemara, where I continue to grow, take on new challenges, and contribute to continuing airworthiness and new projects. I love being part of this team that is making a real impact on regional aviation while also looking ahead to what’s next.


What advice would you offer to students considering studying Aircraft engineering ��ɫ��Ƶ and what career pathways can they expect?

If you’re considering this degree, know that it can lead you in many directions globally with airlines, MROs (aircraft maintenance facilities), leasing companies, or even space. It prepares you to hit the ground running with a lot of opportunities after graduation, especially with the Co-Op placement that gives you a real taste of the industry while you’re still a student. It's a smart choice if you are serious about a long-term career in aviation and the world is really your oyster.

Are there any lessons or insights you wish you had known when starting your career?

Yes, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Aviation is a small world, and people remember you. The relationships you build early on can open doors later. Also, be open to roles outside your comfort zone - they often lead to the biggest growth.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

I plan to continue growing with Aer Arann Islands. It’s an exciting time, especially with the upcoming introduction of electric aircraft. We are aiming to be the first in Europe to operate them. After doing my master's thesis on sustainability issues in aviation, it means a lot to be part of this shift towards greener flying. I also work closely with the Continuing Airworthiness Management team, and I look forward to helping the airline grow.

Finally, here ��ɫ��Ƶ we encourage our students to ‘Stay Curious’. What keeps you curious? 

What keeps me curious is knowing there is always something new to discover. That constant learning is what keeps me motivated and excited about the future. Attending talks, seminars always keeps me inspired. There is always something new to explore, and that mindset of curiosity is something I first developed ��ɫ��Ƶ and continue to carry with me today. 

I was encouraged to question, explore and go deeper. Aviation is always changing—and it’s a small world, so you’re constantly learning from the people you meet and the experiences you share. I stay curious because I want to build something meaningful.