Communities mourn passing of much-loved and widely respected air cargo executive

THE communities of Aghyaran, Beragh and further afield are in mourning this week following the sad passing of a much-loved and widely respected air cargo industry executive.

Conor Brannigan, aged in his 40s, passed away on Saturday following a courageous battle with cancer.

A devoted father to Liam and Fiadh and loving husband of Louise, heartfelt tributes have poured in describing Conor as a highly accomplished executive in aviation, who carried himself with "genuine warmth and humility, that truly set him apart".

He is the loving son of Anne and the late Gerard, and caring brother of Ciara.

The Aghyaran native, who lived in Beragh with his family, was widely respected within the air cargo industry, with a career spanning almost two decades.

During this time, he held several senior roles, the most recent of which as vice-president of strategy at Atlas Air. Prior to this, he carried out the role of chief executive at Magma Aviation.

During his three years at the helm, he successfully steered Magma Aviation through a period of growth and transformation while the industry navigated the volatile post-pandemic landscape.

In his earlier career, Conor also worked at Cargolux, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi and Aer Lingus.

Following the news, his colleagues from across the industry have paid their respects, praising him not just for his professional achievements, but for his kindness, quick-wit, sense of humour and his ability to bring others together.

Martin Drew, chief transformation officer at Atlas Air, described Conor as a 'dear friend'.

"The air cargo industry has lost one of its very best,” he said.

"I had the privilege of knowing Conor for over 15 years and working with him at both Etihad and, most recently, at Atlas Air.

"It’s hard to put into words what he meant to those around him. He was brilliant at his job, with aviation running through his veins. His insight and professionalism were second to none – but it was the way he carried himself, with genuine warmth and humility, that truly set him apart.

"Conor was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever known, with a sharp wit and quick humour. Everyone who met him, liked him. He had that rare gift of making people feel at ease, and for those who knew him well, he was great fun on a night out too. That’s why he wasn’t just respected across the industry – he was loved."

Also paying tribute, Neil Dursley, chief operating officer for Multi-Modal and Air Charter Broking at Global Critical Logistics, said Conor would be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“A very sad day, as a friend and former colleague of mine who did a wonderful job as CEO of Magma Aviation has passed away at a very early age," he said.

"His career in aviation was excellent at Aer Lingus, Etihad Cargo, Cargolux Airlines, Magma Aviation and finally Atlas Air.

"The last time I saw him was at the Six Nations Rugby at Twickenham, where we had a wonderful time together. I last spoke to Conor in July; he told me he was doing better and enjoying his role at Atlas Air. He will be missed in the industry, and may he rest in peace.”

Recalling Conor's determination as he bravely battled illness, Ryan Keyrouse, CEO of Rotate, said: “Conor was always open to share ideas on a whiteboard and the first to join for a beer. I was surprised to see him at WCS in Dubai, where, despite his diagnosis, he remained determined to carry on. That very morning, he had run 10k in the Dubai heat. I left our last discussion optimistic and motivated, and the next morning, I went for a run.”

Praising his leadership and humility, Magma Aviation said: "He guided teams through transformation, brought people together with purpose, and left behind a culture shaped by trust, integrity, and forward thinking.

"He believed in aviation’s potential to connect more than just places and that belief lived in every decision he made. Across the halls of boardrooms, on the ground with operational teams, and through every conversation with customers and colleagues, Conor made people feel seen, heard, and valued."

Atlas Air said Conor "brought a rare combination of professionalism, warmth, and integrity that touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him."

"Above all, Conor was incredibly proud of his family and was a devoted husband and loving father. We keep his family and friends in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

A humanist funeral celebration of Conor’s life will be held today (Wednesday) at St Mary’s Park, Beragh at 2pm.