DCU Aviation Graduate Lara Danaher Makes Aer Lingus History

Group photo of flight crew members on airplane

DCU Business School graduate Lara Danaher has made Irish aviation history as part of the first mother-and-daughter flight crew to operate an Aer Lingus service.

First Officer Lara Danaher, a graduate of DCU’s BSc in Aviation Management with Pilot Studies, shared the flight deck with her mother, Captain Sonya Bissett, on Aer Lingus flight EI650/651 between Dublin and Frankfurt.

The landmark flight marked the first time in Aer Lingus history that a mother and daughter had operated a commercial service together. Captain Bissett, who has flown with Aer Lingus for more than 27 years, described the experience of having Lara alongside her as First Officer as a particularly proud moment in her career.

Lara’s achievement is a special milestone for the Bissett-Danaher family and an inspiring example for future generations of women considering careers in aviation.

DCU Business School’s aviation programme combines a strong foundation in business and management with specialist knowledge of the aviation sector. Students gain practical experience through an aviation-focused INTRA work placement and can choose to specialise in Aviation Management, Pilot Studies or Air Traffic Controller Studies during their final year.

The programme prepares graduates to pursue a wide range of careers across the global aviation industry, including opportunities in airline and airport management, flight operations, aviation leasing, logistics, air traffic control and commercial aviation.

Congratulations to Lara and Sonya on this remarkable achievement. We wish Lara every success as her aviation career continues to soar.