Conor Brannigan, the recently appointed chief executive of Magma Aviation, has big plans for the freighter fleet and network expansion of the company. Brannigan, who joined Magma in July before being appointed CEO in October, has a wealth of experience in the aviation and cargo industry, having worked with Aer Lingus, Etihad Cargo, and Cargolux before joining Magma.
Brannigan’s career in airfreight began at Aer Lingus in 2006, where he was initially surprised to learn about the movement of cargo on passenger aircraft. After seven years at Aer Lingus, he made the move to Etihad Cargo, where he spent six years working in various roles, followed by a stint at Cargolux before joining Magma.
Magma Aviation manages a fleet of five Boeing 747-400 aircraft, offering ad hoc and regular flying capacity to freight forwarders, logistics providers, and charter brokers. Brannigan’s experience in alliances, sales operations, and marketing has been instrumental in expanding Magma’s reach and capabilities.
In May of this year, Magma expanded its fleet with one Boeing 747-400F through a partnership with Plus Logistics Solutions, bringing the total managed fleet to five aircraft. Brannigan sees further potential for fleet expansion in the future, including the possibility of adding Boeing 777s to the fleet.
With a focus on long-term contracts with key customers, Magma is well-positioned to weather market fluctuations and maintain a robust schedule. The company has strong network connections in Africa and is expanding its presence in the US, with plans to potentially expand into Hong Kong and China with the addition of new aircraft.
Brannigan is optimistic about the future of Magma, especially with the recent acquisition of Senator International by Maersk. The company’s long-standing relationship with Senator is expected to continue under Maersk, presenting new opportunities for growth and expansion in the air cargo market.
Overall, Brannigan’s strategic vision and industry knowledge make him a valuable asset to Magma Aviation as the company looks towards future growth and success in the airfreight industry.
