From UNO Aviation to Jet Linx: Christian Barry's Journey
As a proud University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute alumnus, Christian Barry has turned a lifelong passion for aviation into a successful career in the industry.
Christian’s interest in aviation was inspired by both of his grandfathers. One served in the U.S. Air Force, while the other was a farmer who owned several sport aircraft and used them to check his pivots from the air. As a young child, Christian often joined his grandfather on flights, creating memories that sparked his fascination with aviation. Through their stories, knowledge, and passion for flying, both grandfathers played a major role in shaping his future career path.
After graduating from UNO Aviation, Christian completed an internship at NASA Langley Research Center, where he researched the future of the NextGen airspace system and tested geofencing software for drones. Shortly after his internship, he joined Jet Linx Aviation full-time, working in Fleet Optimization. Since then, he has continued to grow within the company and now serves as a Fuel Analyst.
What Christian enjoys most about his work is being surrounded by people who are passionate about helping others and solving problems. The collaborative environment and opportunity to make an impact are what make the aviation industry rewarding for him.
His advice for current students is simple but valuable: “It’s not what you know, but who you know. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and have a conversation—it’s more memorable than an email.”
From flying alongside his grandfather as a child to building a career in business aviation, Christian's journey demonstrates how passion, relationships, and a willingness to seize opportunities can lead to success in the aviation industry.
“It’s not what you know, but who you know. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and have a conversation—it’s more memorable than an email.”