Ireland’s aerospace sector is stepping onto a bigger global stage, with a new trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow highlighting just how much momentum the industry has built. In a significant development for business news ireland, Minister of State Alan Dillon is leading an Enterprise Ireland delegation as the country promotes its strengths in aviation services, aerospace manufacturing and next-generation flight technologies.
The timing matters. Ireland’s aerospace, aviation and space industries now contribute about €4.6 billion to the economy and support roughly 44,000 jobs, underlining the sector’s growing weight in the wider Irish economy. For companies looking at exports, supply-chain partnerships and advanced engineering, Farnborough offers a rare chance to meet major global decision-makers in one place.
What the Farnborough mission means for business news ireland
The Enterprise Ireland mission is designed to help Irish firms build commercial ties with international customers, prime contractors and strategic partners across the UK, US, Canada, Europe and Morocco. The Ireland pavilion is being used to present the country as a competitive hub for:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace engineering
- Aviation support services
- Drone and eVTOL development
- Space-related technologies
Among the Irish participants are Avtrain, Atlantic Aviation, Euram, Hummingbird, the Emerald Aero Group cluster and Cora Systems. The broader message is clear: Ireland is no longer only known for aircraft leasing. It is also building depth in repair, technology, materials, systems and innovation-led aviation services.
Minister Dillon is also due to meet senior figures from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation, a sign of the level at which Ireland is trying to position itself within the global aerospace ecosystem.
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Euram expansion brings new jobs to Offaly
One of the biggest announcements tied to the trade mission comes from Euram, an Offaly-based aircraft engine maintenance, disassembly, repair and overhaul specialist. The company plans to create 45 new high-skilled jobs by 2027 as part of a major expansion programme driven by global demand.
Euram currently employs more than 40 people, so the hiring plan effectively doubles its workforce. The company 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.
That investment is important not just for Offaly, but for the wider business news ireland picture. It shows how regional Irish companies can scale through niche expertise in global aviation supply chains, while also strengthening local employment and industrial capacity.
Why Euram matters
- It adds high-value technical jobs outside Dublin
- It reinforces Ireland’s reputation in MRO services
- It supports long-term export growth
- It helps build an aviation services cluster in the Midlands
Ireland’s wider aviation advantage
Ireland remains one of the world’s most influential aviation centres. Fourteen of the top 15 aircraft lessors are headquartered in the country, with Irish-based lessors managing assets worth around €270 billion. Collectively, they account for 69% of the global leased fleet, or about 9,500 aircraft, alongside a future order book of more than 2,300 planes.
That dominance in leasing gives Ireland a strong foundation, but the Farnborough mission suggests a broader strategy is taking shape. Enterprise Ireland is backing firms involved in manufacturing, maintenance, aerospace software, drones and space supply chains. Companies including ÉireComposites, Realtra, Hummingbird Aero and Celtonn are also part of discussions linked to European Space Agency supply-chain opportunities.
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FAQ
Why is Farnborough important for Irish companies?
It gives Irish aerospace and aviation businesses direct access to global manufacturers, buyers, investors and supply-chain partners in one of the industry’s leading trade environments.
How large is Ireland’s aerospace and aviation sector?
Together, Ireland’s aerospace, aviation and space sectors contribute around €4.6 billion to the economy and support approximately 44,000 jobs.
What is Euram announcing?
Euram plans to add 45 high-skilled jobs by 2027 while expanding its engine maintenance and overhaul facilities in Co. Offaly.
What areas is Ireland promoting beyond aircraft leasing?
Ireland is highlighting strengths in MRO, advanced manufacturing, drones, eVTOL aircraft, aerospace engineering and space technologies.
Looking ahead
The Farnborough mission shows Ireland is aiming higher than a supporting role in global aviation. It wants to be seen as a serious source of advanced capability, engineering talent and export-ready innovation. For readers following business news ireland, the takeaway is simple: aerospace is becoming a more visible driver of regional jobs, international growth and industrial ambition across the country.
