AS first reported in the Clare Champion last month, Ryanair has today opened its first aircraft heavy maintenance facility in Ireland at Shannon Airport, which will create 200 high-skilled jobs in the locality, including licensed engineers, mechanics, and support staff.

The airline will invest €10 million in this state-of-the-art three-bay facility, leased from Shannon Group, to support the maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet as it grows to 600 aircraft by 2026.

Ryanair Director of Operations, Neal McMahon, said, “We are delighted to announce the opening of our new aircraft maintenance facility at Shannon Airport – our first heavy maintenance facility in the country. This facility will create 200 high-skill jobs, demonstrating Ryanair’s continued growth & commitment to Ireland.

“Ryanair creates opportunities for highly skilled engineering jobs, with our industry leading rosters and the youngest fleet in Europe. Shannon is an ideal location with opportunities to attract, train and employ local talent to support this new facility.”

Shannon Group CEO, Mary Considine, said, “Ryanair’s investment at Shannon is a vote of confidence by them in the future of the airport. Having Ryanair at Hangar 5, one of ten fully occupied hangars on our Shannon Campus, is another significant boost for the region, creating high quality jobs for local aviation specialists.

“The resulting jobs and investment are also consistent with our strategic plan to increase economic growth and retain skills and talent in the region. We have a close relationship with Ryanair, with Shannon Airport now having more destinations served by Ryanair than in 2019.”

Ryanair has operated from Shannon Airport since 1986, opening its base at the south-western airport in 2005 and carrying over 17 million customers to/from the airport to date.