Ireland’s aerospace industry is back in the spotlight as a major Enterprise Ireland delegation heads to Farnborough. The Farnborough trade mission marks a high-profile opportunity for Irish companies to showcase innovation, attract international partnerships and reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a serious player in global aviation, aerospace engineering and space technologies.
Led by Minister of State Alan Dillon of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the mission brings Irish firms to one of the world’s most influential aerospace and aviation events. It also underlines how closely enterprise policy, exports and jobs growth are tied to the wider public-sector ecosystem, including gov.ie, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Department of the Taoiseach.
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 roughly 44,000 jobs. Across about 250 companies, including 130 Enterprise Ireland-supported businesses, Ireland has developed a strong footprint in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace engineering
- Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul
- Aviation services
- Drones and advanced air mobility
- Space and satellite supply chains
The Irish pavilion at Farnborough is presenting that mix of capability to a global audience, with exhibitors including Avtrain, Atlantic Aviation, Euram, Hummingbird, the Emerald Aero Group cluster and Cora Systems. The aim of the Farnborough trade mission is clear: help Irish firms secure contracts, deepen commercial ties and build visibility across the UK, US, Canada, Europe and Morocco.
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Euram expansion brings 45 new high-skilled jobs
One of the biggest announcements linked to the Farnborough trade mission is from Offaly-based Euram, a specialist in aircraft engine maintenance, disassembly, repair and overhaul services. The company plans to create 45 new high-skilled jobs by 2027, effectively doubling its workforce.
Euram has already completed a new 20,000 sq. ft. MRO facility, started work on an 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is planning a further 64,000 sq. ft. expansion. The growth reflects rising global demand and strengthens County Offaly’s status as a developing aviation services hub.
This kind of regional investment also connects with broader national priorities spanning Finance, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Education, Further and Higher Education, and Public Expenditure, especially where skills, infrastructure and export competitiveness overlap.
Meetings with Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier
The Farnborough trade mission is not only about exhibition space. The programme includes strategic meetings with senior leaders from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation. These engagements are designed to position Ireland more deeply within global aerospace and aviation supply chains.
The visit also features discussions involving Enterprise Ireland client companies active in European Space Agency-related supply chains, including ÉireComposites, Realtra, Hummingbird Aero and Celtonn. A dedicated industry lunch will focus on drones, eVTOL aircraft and next-generation aerospace technologies.
Ireland’s long-standing leadership in aircraft leasing adds another layer of credibility. Fourteen of the world’s top 15 aircraft lessors are headquartered in Ireland, managing around €270 billion in aircraft assets and a fleet of about 9,500 aircraft.
Explore more: Irish innovation, global trade and technology leadership | Enterprise Ireland export success and advanced manufacturing news
Why the Farnborough trade mission matters
The Farnborough trade mission reflects a wider policy ambition: to keep Ireland competitive in high-value sectors where innovation, engineering talent and international trust matter most. From the Revenue Commissioners and CSO data environment to support structures across Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the message is that Irish industry is scaling beyond traditional strengths.
As global aviation evolves, Irish companies are increasingly active in future-focused areas such as electric flight systems, drones and space technologies. That makes the Farnborough trade mission more than a trade visit; it is a statement about Ireland’s industrial direction, export potential and long-term economic resilience.
In short, the Farnborough trade mission shows that Ireland is not just participating in aerospace growth, it is working to lead in specialised, high-skill segments that can deliver jobs, investment and international relevance for years to come.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
