Matthew Sharp
Warfield,Bracknell Forest
Summary
Strategic and results-driven airline engineering leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in aircraft maintenance, engineering operations, and team leadership at Virgin Atlantic Airways. Proven track record as UKCAA Part 145 and Part 147 post holder, leading large multidisciplinary teams in the delivery of compliant, safe, and efficient maintenance operations. Adept at managing complex maintenance programs, driving operational excellence, and spearheading innovation in training and apprenticeship initiatives. Strong expertise in regulatory compliance, outsourced maintenance, and long-term fleet maintenance planning. Committed to fostering high-performance cultures and continuous improvement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Vice President, Engineering and Maintenance (Interim)
Virgin Atlantic Airways
LHR
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Overall accountability for all aspects of Engineering and Maintenance, including UKCAA Part 145 and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) compliance.
- Full budget ownership for the engineering and maintenance division, ensuring cost-effective delivery aligned with strategic objectives.
- Leading safety and regulatory compliance, embedding a strong safety culture across all teams and operations.
- Oversight of engineering supply chain management, optimizing vendor relationships and procurement processes.
- Accountable for the successful completion of major Cabin and Wi-Fi installation programs.
- Spearheading the transition to a fully digital Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) system, enhancing operational efficiency and data-driven decision making.
- Accountable for the engineering strategic vision over the next 5-10 years
Head of Engineering Operations
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Contracting and management of all outsourced heavy maintenance activities.
- Led Maintenance Control and Technical Operations teams, leveraging technology to improve Technical Dispatch Reliability (TDR) and operational reliability.
- Partnered with commercial and network planning teams to integrate engineering considerations into schedule development. Creating the engineering planning parameters.
- Directed continuous improvement initiatives and led the engineering data analytics team to enhance decision-making and operational performance.
Head of Aircraft Maintenance
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2022 - 12.2024
- UKCAA Part 145 and Part 147 Post Holder, overseeing regulatory compliance and standards. Across UK and worldwide line stations and base maintenance.
- Accountable for contracting all outsourced line maintenance.
- Lead a team of 400+ professionals across line, base, and cabin maintenance operations.
- Direct responsibility for Virgin Atlantic's Part 147 training school, delivering UKCAA and EASA type training.
- Owner and sponsor of Virgin Atlantic's apprenticeship and maintenance graduate programmes, driving talent development and retention.
- Champion of operational excellence and safety, ensuring maintenance activities align with corporate and regulatory requirements.
Senior Manager – Engineering Operations
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Directed multi-disciplinary teams covering maintenance control, technical operations, and maintenance planning.
- Oversaw outsourced heavy base maintenance, including contract negotiations, supplier management, and Part M oversight.
- Represented Engineering in commercial scheduling and strategic fleet maintenance planning (0–10 years).
Senior Manager – Aircraft Maintenance
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Managed Virgin Atlantic's primary maintenance operation at Heathrow, including line and hangar activities.
- Directly supervised 168 personnel, implementing change management initiatives and improving operational efficiency.
- Led project management efforts for the “New Line of Flying” initiative, reducing hangar A check turnaround times by 20%.
Manager – Aircraft Maintenance
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Managed line and hangar maintenance teams at Heathrow, responsible operational reliability and safety.
Outsourced Base Maintenance Check Manager
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Managed Part M oversight for all Virgin Atlantic aircraft during C checks. Covering all third-party MRO's worldwide.
Duty Maintenance Manager
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed daily operations at a busy line station, ensuring smooth maintenance workflows.
Outsourced Base Maintenance Check Representative
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Provided Part M oversight and acted as liaison with third-party MROs during C checks.
Certifying Engineer
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Held full UK CAA B1 + C Aircraft Maintenance Licence with unrestricted type approvals on A340, A330, B747, and B787 fleets.
Licensed Aircraft Technician
Virgin Atlantic Airways
09.2004 - 01.2009
- Operated as a licensed B1 technician on Virgin Atlantic aircraft.
Apprentice Engineer
Virgin Atlantic Airways
09.2000 - 09.2004
- Completed Virgin Atlantic's apprenticeship program.
Education
NVQ Level 2 and 3 - Aircraft Engineering
East Surrey College
BTEC NC - Aircraft Engineering
East Surrey College
Skills
- Leadership strategies
- Problem-solving
- Operational leadership
- Continuous improvement advocacy
- Lean thinking
Certification
- Full UK CAA B1 + C Aircraft Maintenance Licence (unrestricted) B787, A330, A340
- UKCAA Part 145 & Part 147 Post Holder
- Human Factors Certificate (2-year)
- Part M Training (recently completed)
- Full UK Driving Licence
Personal Information
Date of birth: 08/31/82
Affiliations
I am a keen motor sport fan who enjoys attend track day with my own car. I am also a keen world traveller, having lived an worked in China and the Philippines.
Timeline
Vice President, Engineering and Maintenance (Interim)
Virgin Atlantic Airways
06.2025 - 07.2025
Head of Engineering Operations
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2024 - 05.2025
Head of Aircraft Maintenance
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2022 - 12.2024
Senior Manager – Engineering Operations
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2021 - 01.2022
Senior Manager – Aircraft Maintenance
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2019 - 01.2021
Manager – Aircraft Maintenance
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2016 - 01.2019
Outsourced Base Maintenance Check Manager
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2015 - 01.2016
Duty Maintenance Manager
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2013 - 01.2016
Outsourced Base Maintenance Check Representative
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2013 - 12.2013
Certifying Engineer
Virgin Atlantic Airways
01.2009 - 01.2013
Licensed Aircraft Technician
Virgin Atlantic Airways
09.2004 - 01.2009
Apprentice Engineer
Virgin Atlantic Airways
09.2000 - 09.2004
NVQ Level 2 and 3 - Aircraft Engineering
East Surrey College
BTEC NC - Aircraft Engineering
East Surrey College
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