Ireland’s aerospace ambitions are back in the spotlight as the Enterprise Ireland delegation heads to Farnborough. The Farnborough trade mission is being positioned as a major opportunity to showcase Irish capability in aviation, aerospace engineering, maintenance and next-generation flight technologies to global decision-makers.
Led by Minister of State Alan Dillon of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the visit places Irish industry in front of some of the biggest names in global aviation. It also underlines how closely agencies such as gov.ie, Enterprise Ireland and wider Irish public bodies support export-led sectors that drive jobs, innovation and regional growth.
Farnborough Trade Mission highlights Ireland’s aerospace strength
The Farnborough trade mission comes as Ireland’s aerospace, aviation and space sectors contribute an estimated €4.6 billion to the economy and support around 44,000 full-time jobs. Across the ecosystem, roughly 250 companies are active, including 130 businesses backed by Enterprise Ireland.
The Irish presence at the airshow is designed to connect these firms with international customers, strategic partners and prime contractors across the UK, US, Canada, Europe and Morocco. The Ireland pavilion is expected to spotlight strengths in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace engineering
- Aviation services
- Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul
- Drones and advanced air mobility
- Space and satellite-related technologies
Among the exhibitors are Avtrain, Atlantic Aviation, Euram, Hummingbird, the Emerald Aero Group cluster and Cora Systems.
Euram expansion brings new jobs to Offaly
One of the most significant announcements tied to the Farnborough trade mission is from Euram, the Offaly-based aircraft engine maintenance specialist. The company plans to create 45 new high-skilled jobs by 2027 as part of a major expansion programme driven by rising international demand.
Euram has already completed a new 20,000 sq. ft. MRO facility, begun work on an 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is planning a further 64,000 sq. ft. expansion. The investment will effectively double its workforce and strengthen Offaly’s role as an important aviation services hub in Ireland.
Read more: Ireland public sector jobs and economic growth update | Irish business expansion and export news
Ireland’s global aviation position remains a major advantage
The Farnborough trade mission also reinforces Ireland’s long-standing influence in aircraft leasing and aviation finance. Ireland remains home to 14 of the world’s top 15 aircraft lessors, with Irish-based lessors managing assets valued at about €270 billion. That footprint represents 69% of the global leased fleet, or roughly 9,500 aircraft, plus a future order book exceeding 2,300 aircraft.
This leadership in aviation Finance complements the country’s growing reputation in aircraft services, aerospace supply chains and advanced mobility technologies. It also aligns with national priorities across Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Transport, Education and Further and Higher Education, as skills development becomes increasingly important for the sector.
Meetings with Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier
During the programme, Minister Dillon is due to meet senior executives from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation. Those engagements are intended to deepen commercial links and position Irish suppliers more strongly within global aerospace and aviation networks.
The visit also includes an industry lunch focused on innovation in drones, eVTOL aircraft and future aerospace technologies. Companies active in European Space Agency-related supply chains, including ÉireComposites, Realtra, Hummingbird Aero and Celtonn, are also part of the wider engagement effort.
Explore more: Global aviation industry trends and innovation | Irish manufacturing technology and investment news
Why the Farnborough trade mission matters
The Farnborough trade mission matters because it goes beyond event visibility. It is about winning export sales, attracting investment, building partnerships and supporting long-term employment in high-value Irish industry. From regional employers to internationally active suppliers, the mission sends a clear message: Ireland intends to remain competitive in aerospace, aviation and space.
As the Farnborough trade mission unfolds, the clearest takeaway is that Irish companies are not just participating in global aviation growth, they are helping shape it through innovation, engineering and specialist services.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
