Irelandia, the aviation investment platform established by the Ryan family, has released a new Progress Report updating the status of the five core policy recommendations first proposed in its May 2025 report, “Pathfinder for Irish Aviation.” The goal of the Pathfinder initiative is to stimulate ambitious, island‑wide aviation policy that supports employment, tourism, FDI, and indigenous industry.
According to Irelandia Founder Dr Declan Ryan, the debate initiated by Pathfinder has prompted “extensive engagement by various stakeholders across Ireland”, and he encourages the Government, particularly the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, to be “ambitious and forward thinking” as they prepare a national Aviation Industry Strategy in 2026.
The Progress Report outlines the following developments:
1. Adopting an All‑Island Aviation Strategy
Significant north–south collaboration has occurred, including meetings with officials and aviation stakeholders in Derry, Belfast, Dublin, and Enterprise Ireland.
Key developments include:
- New Derry–Dublin air route announced in October 2025 under a PSO scheme, launching in 2026.
- No progress yet on the proposed Cork–Belfast route, despite strong business‑community support.
- Active exploration of MRO and engine‑overhaul expansion in Northern Ireland, though Brexit‑linked qualification-recognition barriers remain a major obstacle.
2. Quadrupling Commercial Pilot Training in Ireland
The report notes strong traction across airlines, training schools, and finance bodies.
- Irish airlines such as Aer Lingus, Ryanair, ASL and Emerald signal demand for 400 new pilots per year, matching Pathfinder’s target.
- Discussions with ISIF, SBCI, and multiple Credit Unions have advanced.
- A pilot‑training loan fund may be launched in 2026, enabling cadets to access financing once they have a PPL and a flight‑school acceptance.
- Underutilised regional airports, Waterford, Weston and Sligo, could become pilot‑training centres, with Waterford showing strong 2026 development potential.
3. Expanding MRO Investment Across the Island
Responding to the projected 80% growth in the global aircraft fleet, Irelandia continues to advocate for new hangars and MRO capacity.
- Stakeholder engagement is active in Shannon, Knock, Derry, Waterford and Dublin.
- Policy enablers under discussion include:
- Preferential tax treatment for airside MRO investments
- Increased aerospace apprenticeship output
- ISIF/Enterprise Ireland support for long‑term MRO infrastructure financing
- Several regional airports are now actively positioning themselves for MRO investment.
4. Removing the Passenger Cap at Dublin Airport
Irelandia strongly endorses the removal of Dublin Airport’s 32‑million passenger cap, previously described as a “national embarrassment.”
- In February 2026, the Government introduced legislation to eliminate the cap entirely, designating Dublin Airport as critical national infrastructure and placing related planning under An Coimisiún Pleanála.
- Irelandia views the fast passage of this legislation as essential to maintaining US connectivity and addressing challenges raised by Airlines for America.
- Noise‑management rules remain under review, with Irelandia supporting the ICAO “Balanced Approach” to protect essential early‑morning/long‑haul operations.
5. Strengthening the Irish Aircraft Leasing Sector
Despite active industry engagement, including presentations to Aircraft Leasing Ireland, KPMG, McCann Fitzgerald, and Government advisers, progress is slower here. Irelandia continues to push for:
- Expansion of Ireland’s aircraft‑related tax treaty network
- Incentives for investment in low‑emissions aircraft and engine technologies
- Development of a “digital twin” system for every commercial aircraft worldwide to streamline aircraft trading and reduce legal/transition costs.
Next Steps
The report concludes by noting that full realisation of the five policy pillars requires continued advocacy from Irelandia, the Government’s forthcoming Strategic Aviation Plan with concrete timelines and a major aviation industry conference in September 2026 to advance Pathfinder’s recommendations. Dr Ryan reiterates that Ireland can play a major role in the expected doubling of global air travel over the next 20 years, provided that forward‑thinking policy and coordinated investment are pursued.
The Progress Report is available to read here.
