Ireland is using one of the world’s biggest aviation events to press its case as a serious aerospace and innovation hub. In a fresh boost for business news ireland, Minister of State Alan Dillon is leading an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow, where Irish firms are pitching capabilities in aircraft maintenance, advanced manufacturing, drones, eVTOL technology and space-related services.
The trip comes with a strong economic backdrop. Ireland’s aerospace, aviation and space sectors are estimated to contribute €4.6 billion to the wider economy and support around 44,000 full-time jobs. That makes the mission more than a promotional visit: it is a strategic effort to deepen export ties, attract investment and reinforce Ireland’s place in global aerospace supply chains.
Why Farnborough matters for business news ireland
Farnborough is one of the industry’s most influential global gatherings, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, lessors, policymakers and investors. For Ireland, it offers a direct route to decision-makers across the UK, US, Canada, Europe and Morocco.
Enterprise Ireland says the Irish pavilion is designed to highlight strengths in:
- Advanced aerospace manufacturing
- Aviation services and MRO expertise
- Aerospace engineering
- Drones and advanced air mobility
- Space technologies and specialist supply-chain services
Companies taking part include Avtrain, Atlantic Aviation, Euram, Hummingbird, the Emerald Aero Group cluster and Cora Systems. The wider programme also includes engagement with firms active in European Space Agency supply chains, including ÉireComposites, Realtra and Celtonn.
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Euram expansion delivers a jobs boost
The standout commercial announcement tied to the mission comes from Euram, an Offaly-based specialist in aircraft engine maintenance, disassembly, repair and overhaul. The company plans to create 45 new high-skilled jobs by 2027, effectively doubling its workforce.
Euram already employs more than 40 people and has recently completed a new 20,000 sq. ft. MRO facility. It has also started work on an 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is planning a further 64,000 sq. ft. expansion.
That investment signals continued demand in aviation services and adds an important regional angle to business news ireland. It also strengthens Offaly’s standing as a growing aviation services location, not just a support base but a specialised centre with international reach.
Ireland’s edge in aviation and leasing
Ireland already has a unique position in global aviation finance. Fourteen of the world’s top 15 aircraft lessors are headquartered in the country, managing aircraft assets worth about €270 billion. Irish-based lessors oversee roughly 9,500 aircraft, equal to 69% of the global leased fleet, alongside a future order book of more than 2,300 aircraft.
That established leasing ecosystem gives Ireland a major credibility advantage when it comes to wider aerospace services, from engineering and maintenance to compliance, digital systems and next-generation aircraft support.
Meetings at Farnborough are expected to include senior figures from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation. Those discussions matter because they can translate into long-term supplier relationships, technology partnerships and new export contracts for Irish businesses.
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Innovation is becoming the next growth story
Alongside traditional aerospace strengths, Ireland is also pushing into faster-growing niches. The trade mission includes an industry lunch focused on drones, eVTOL aircraft and future aviation technologies, underlining a broader shift in business news ireland toward innovation-led manufacturing.
This matters for the irish economy because next-generation aerospace offers high-value jobs, export potential and strong links to research, software and advanced materials. It also aligns with wider ireland investment news around industrial modernisation and deep-tech growth.
What this means for Ireland
- More visibility for Irish exporters on a global stage
- Potential new contracts with major aerospace players
- Additional high-skilled employment outside Dublin
- Stronger positioning in future air mobility and space technologies
FAQ
Why is Ireland attending the Farnborough Airshow?
Enterprise Ireland is using the event to help Irish companies meet global customers, win export business and strengthen partnerships across aerospace, aviation and space markets.
How important is the aerospace sector to Ireland?
The sector contributes about €4.6 billion to the economy and supports around 44,000 jobs, making it a significant part of the wider industrial base.
What is Euram announcing?
Euram plans to add 45 new high-skilled roles by 2027 as part of a major expansion in aircraft engine maintenance and overhaul services in Co. Offaly.
Which global companies are involved in the trade mission?
The programme includes meetings with executives from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation.
What to watch next
The real test of this trade mission will be whether meetings at Farnborough turn into contracts, investment and long-term supply-chain wins. Still, the message from business news ireland is clear: Ireland is not only defending its leadership in aircraft leasing and aviation services, but also aiming to build a bigger role in the future of aerospace innovation.
