Cairns International Airport

Derek O’Reilly is Country Manager at Universal Aviation Australia, bringing a strong background in business aviation, finance, and IT to the role. Since joining Universal in 2011, he has built a reputation for calm, solutions-focused leadership and for making complex operations feel simple for customers. Known for his operational precision and customer-first mindset, Derek leads with transparency, integrity, and a steady hand under pressure. Throughout his career, Derek has supported high-profile missions, including Royal Family, government, and VIP flights, and has excelled during complex, high-traffic events and organ transfer missions. A member of the Australian Business Aviation Association, he is respected for creating seamless experiences from runway to curb and for advocating for the success of business aviation in Australia. He is especially motivated by delivering the kind of service that leaves clients saying, “I wish every arrival was this easy.”