While he’s not quite piloting one of the company Learjets, Gerry O’Neil’s rise within the ranks of Northern Executive Aviation (NEA), says the company, has him marked up as a high flyer. This year, head of operations O’Neil celebrates 30 years at the UK company.

Starting as office junior, he purports to have seen the great and the good pass up and down the company's gangway and has more than a few tales to tell.

“We’ve flown pop stars, politicians and potentates, but one passenger really stands out for me, and that’s the first man on the moon - Neil Armstrong.

“I suppose it’s the historical thing but, while many of today's figures and personalities will come and go, he will always have the unique distinction of being an explorer of immense achievement.”

The 53-year-old is keen to emphasise that even after three decades with NEA, he’s as enthusiastic about his role today as he was when he started.

“You never know just what to expect in this job,” he explained. “When I first came onboard, the company had been operating for around 10 years, had two aircraft and four pilots. In those days, we could expect to carry passengers to mainland Europe.

“Now, with four or five aircraft operating at any one time, NEA clients, from a multitude of businesses, organisations and nationalities are carried worldwide.”

NEA managing director David Antrobus said: “Gerry has been a valued and extremely valuable member of our staff for longer than I care to remember.

“His enthusiasm in every role he has occupied over the years has been apparent in everything he does - and we appreciate all of the hard work he has put into the company.”