Ireland is taking a bigger role on the global aerospace stage, and this week’s delegation to Farnborough underlines why that matters for jobs, exports and industrial growth. In a notable development for business news Ireland readers, Minister of State Alan Dillon is leading an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow, where Irish firms are showcasing capabilities in aviation services, advanced manufacturing, drones and space-related technology.
The timing is significant. Ireland’s aerospace, aviation and space activities now contribute about €4.6 billion to the economy and support roughly 44,000 full-time jobs. That scale makes the sector more than a niche success story; it is an increasingly important part of the wider Irish economy and a useful lens for understanding long-term industrial strategy.
Ireland brings a broader aerospace story to Farnborough
The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the industry’s most influential events, attracting aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, investors and policymakers from around the world. For Ireland, the mission is about more than visibility. It is designed to help Enterprise Ireland-backed companies meet customers, build partnerships and win business across major aerospace markets including the UK, US, Canada, Europe and Morocco.
The Ireland pavilion is highlighting strengths in:
- Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services
- Aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing
- Aviation support and supply-chain services
- Drone and advanced air mobility technology
- Space-related innovation and specialist components
Among the companies exhibiting are Avtrain, Atlantic Aviation, Euram, Hummingbird, the Emerald Aero Group cluster and Cora Systems. The mix reflects a sector that is expanding beyond traditional aviation into newer technologies with export potential.
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A jobs boost from Euram adds weight to the mission
One of the biggest announcements tied to the trade mission comes from Euram, the Offaly-based aircraft engine specialist. The company plans to create 45 new high-skilled jobs by 2027 as part of a major expansion driven by global demand for maintenance, disassembly, repair and overhaul services.
Euram already employs more than 40 people, so the hiring plan would effectively double its workforce. The company has also completed a new 20,000 sq. ft. MRO facility, started building an 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is planning a further 64,000 sq. ft. expansion.
That matters locally in Offaly, but it also speaks to a bigger national trend in ireland business news: regional companies are increasingly plugging into highly specialised global supply chains, particularly in engineering and industrial services.
Why Ireland remains influential in global aviation
Ireland’s standing in aviation is not built on manufacturing alone. The country remains a major force in aircraft leasing, with 14 of the world’s top 15 aircraft lessors headquartered here. Irish-based lessors manage aircraft assets worth around €270 billion, representing about 69% of the global leased fleet, or roughly 9,500 aircraft. They also hold a future order book of more than 2,300 aircraft.
That concentration gives Ireland strategic relevance far beyond its size. It supports a wider ecosystem that includes legal, financial, engineering and technical services, reinforcing the country’s position across multiple layers of the aviation value chain.
During the mission, Minister Dillon is expected to meet senior leaders from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation. The programme also includes discussions with companies active in European Space Agency supply chains, including ÉireComposites, Realtra, Hummingbird Aero and Celtonn.
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What this means for the Irish economy
The immediate goal of the Farnborough mission is commercial: deepen relationships, secure contracts and attract future investment. But the longer-term significance is broader. Ireland is positioning itself as a trusted partner in aerospace, aviation and space supply chains at a time when resilience, technical capability and innovation are all in high demand.
For companies watching the sector, a few themes stand out:
- High-value engineering jobs are growing outside Dublin
- Irish exporters are moving into next-generation aerospace niches
- Advanced manufacturing remains central to ireland business updates
- Global partnerships are becoming more important for scaling specialist firms
FAQ
What is the purpose of Ireland’s Farnborough trade mission?
The mission is aimed at helping Irish aerospace and aviation companies connect with global customers, prime contractors and strategic partners.
How large is Ireland’s aerospace and aviation sector?
Together with space-related activity, the sector contributes about €4.6 billion to the economy and supports around 44,000 jobs.
What did Euram announce?
Euram said it plans to create 45 new high-skilled roles by 2027 as it expands its aircraft engine maintenance and overhaul operations in Offaly.
Why is aircraft leasing important to Ireland?
Ireland is home to 14 of the world’s top 15 aircraft lessors, making it a global hub for aviation finance and related services.
Ireland’s presence at Farnborough is a reminder that the country’s industrial strengths are evolving, not standing still. For anyone tracking business news Ireland, the key takeaway is clear: aerospace is emerging as a deeper source of export growth, regional employment and international influence.
