Gerard Flaherty
Vice President, Aerospace and Engineering, IDA Ireland
Ireland’s aviation sector now spans the full value chain from airlines to lessors, component manufacture to aftermarket maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and parts services.
Ryanair may have grown to be Europe’s largest airline and the world’s third-largest by passengers carried, but unquestionably, Ireland is an important global player thanks to being at the centre of the world’s aircraft leasing industry. It’s estimated that at least one in every five commercial aircraft flying now is either owned, managed or registered in Ireland through the 40-plus Aircraft Leasing companies in Shannon or Dublin.
Partnership between government and industry
The industry in Ireland can best be described as a connected ‘ecosystem’ with national development agencies like IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland (EI), Solas and Shannon Airport’s IASC. They all support significant multinational and local company investments in training, R&D and development assistance, all designed to best ensure the industry maintains and enhances its global competitiveness and skills. Similarly, the Irish Aviation Authority has been a key enabler and supporter of agency and industry efforts to continue developing and adapting to market changes.
In recent years, the industry has
seen significant new investments.
Ongoing growth of the sector in Ireland
In recent years, the industry has seen significant new investments by Lufthansa Technik for (advanced engine part repairs in Shannon), a return to its engine maintenance heritage in Kildare for engine services as well as expansions at IAC (international aircraft painting) and Standard Aero in Cork.
The industry has also seen significant growth by Irish-owned firms like Atlantic Aviation MRO in Shannon and Dublin Aerospace with its new Centre for Landing Gear Repair. Not to be outdone, Ryanair has opened and already expanded its new MRO base in Shannon. Away from the airport across the island, Ireland now also hosts multiple manufacturing and after-market operations including Airbus, Boeing, Honeywell, Panasonic and Collins Aerospace, all supporting a global aviation client base.
More people now work in the aviation industry in Ireland than ever before, highlighting how globally competitive and capable the Industry in Ireland has become. Despite its size, Ireland is estimated to get about 4% of all new aviation investments in Europe, with both the IDA and EI expecting additional positive news in the coming months.
