Philip Hennessey

Senior aircraft paint operations leader with 30+ years of progressive experience across military, business aviation, and commercial airline environments. Proven track record managing large-scale paint facilities, multi-disciplinary teams of up to 110 staff, and complex customer portfolios including Airbus, Boeing, and major international carriers. Deep technical expertise across all paint systems, surface protection technologies, and regulatory frameworks (EASA Part 145, FAA, CASA).

Experienced in budget ownership, turnaround time optimisation, quality system management, and facility development. Now relocating to the Netherlands to take on General Manager responsibility within a leading aerospace finishing operation.

Independent Paint Operations Consultant - Hennessey Paints Ltd. - UK / International

(2018-10)

Operated as an independent contractor providing specialist aircraft paint management services to paint facility operators across the UK and international markets.

• Delivered project-based engagements covering production planning, quality compliance, workforce coordination, and process improvement within regulated Part 145 environments.
• Maintained active operational knowledge of current paint systems, materials, and regulatory requirements during this period.

Manager, Fleet Appearance – Paint Operations - Etihad Airways - Abu Dhabi, UAE

(2017-02 - 2018-10)

Full general management responsibility for two aircraft paint hangars (wide body and narrow body) with a combined workforce of 110 painters and support staff.

• Accountable for EASA Part 145 compliance across both facilities; prepared and managed audits by CASA, FAA, EASA, and internal quality teams.
• Owned facility development programme including design and construction of mixing rooms, tool cribs, component shops, interior paint shop, preload areas, and waste management infrastructure.
• Managed third-party customer relationships and technical representatives throughout paint inputs; liaised directly with OEM facilities at Boeing Seattle and Airbus Hamburg.
• Held full responsibility for quoting man-hours and turnaround times; managed materials planning, consumables review, and cost control.
• Drove environmental compliance programme, liaising with local government agencies to manage VOC and particulate matter emissions.
• Conducted trade testing, competency assessments, and structured training programmes in line with Part 145 requirements.

Paint Shop Supervisor / Assistant Manager - Etihad Airways - Abu Dhabi, UAE

(2014-09 - 2017-02)

Managed daily operations of 60 painters and support staff across wide body and narrow body paint inputs.

• Introduced process improvements that reduced turnaround times and material consumption, generating measurable cost savings.
• Led design and implementation of new paint hangar conversion project.
• Maintained quality standards in accordance with AMM and SRM requirements; liased with third-party and equity partner customers throughout paint inputs.
• Attended third-party and OEM paint facilities at Boeing Seattle, Airbus Hamburg, Air Tech Rome, and Ostrava as Etihad evaluator and final paint acceptance authority.

Paint Facility Manager - Edmondson Aviation - Chobham Airport, UK

(2007-06 - 2014-08)

Full management responsibility for a third-party aircraft paint facility specialising in rotary wing and small fixed wing aircraft for high-end clients.

• Delivered bespoke one-off livery designs using advanced techniques and design technology, maintaining highest-tier quality standards.
• Managed direct customer relationships, ensuring 100% client satisfaction throughout all project inputs.

Paint Shop Supervisor - Adams Morey Ltd. - Southampton, UK

(1997-03 - 2007-05)

Progressed from paint sprayer to supervisor, ultimately leading a team of 7 painters, 8 panel beaters, and 2 mechanical engineers.

• Maintained show-standard quality across high-volume commercial vehicle painting operations.

Aircraft Paint Technician - AIM Aviation Ltd. - Bournemouth International Airport, UK

(1991-07 - 1997-03)

Preparation and painting of private jets, narrow body aircraft, military rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft.

• Aircraft types included SAAB 2000, BAe 146, Falcon F20, HS125, Gazelle, Sea King, Lynx, Canberra, Vampire, and Hunter jets.
• Worked on Thrust 2 land speed record vehicle and aircraft from the Royal Queens Flight.

Hounsdown Science College (1981 - 1985) Southampton, UK