SCOTTISH company Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance whose sole client is Ryanair is set to open a Shannon base, where up to 200 people will be employed.
The aircraft maintenance company provides services to the Irish carrier’s aircraft and will take on a hangar that had previously been used by Lufthansa, but has been vacant more recently.
It would be a significant jobs boost for Shannon, and it is understood that Shannon Group and Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance are close to signing a contract.
The company already employs around 500 at Prestwick Airport in Scotland and around 1,300 at other locations around Europe.
Clare TD Joe Carey said that getting the company to Shannon is very welcome.
“This is very positive news for Shannon and the whole aircraft maintenance sector locally. The Mid West had a blow last year when Lufthanasa Technik Shannon announced they were to cease operations, but thankfully Atlantic Aviation Group came in and acquired a large part of that long established business.
“This is further good news for the region, that Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance are set to take over Hangar 5, which is situated on the airport’s apron. Negotiations are, I understand, at an advanced stage. I understand that Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance deal exclusively with Ryanair who are a giant in aviation terms.”
“I look forward to a positive announcement being made in this regard and the promise of significant jobs being created as a result.”
He said that Shannon has a lot to offer for aircraft maintenance companies.
“This investment highlights the potential of Shannon as a maintenance hub. We have the talent and skills in the area and I want to congratulate Shannon Group and Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance on this.”
Since Shannon was separated from the Dublin Airport Authority a number of years ago there have been efforts to develop a cluster of aviation related industries in the area.
Shannon Group’s International Aviation Services Centre (IASC) has sought to develop businesses in the area.
On its website it says, “For aviation businesses the location is ideal, with two large business parks directly adjacent to the airport, airside development possibilities and an adjoining large land bank available for further development.
“It is also highly appealing to executives and employees, set amidst the spectacular scenery of Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast, with two vibrant university cities nearby.
“Companies locating here have access to a good mix of young, well-educated talent, a highly competitive tax environment and a legislative and regulatory framework specifically geared to the needs of the aviation and aerospace sectors.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.