Ryanair has announced plans for a major expansion of its engineering operations at Shannon Airport, with a proposed €50 million investment that would make Shannon the airline’s largest aircraft maintenance facility in Ireland. The airline has submitted a planning application for a new four-bay Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar alongside a dedicated Ryanair Engineering Academy. The project is expected to create more than 400 highly skilled jobs and support the training of over 400 aircraft mechanics between 2027 and 2031.
Ryanair currently operates a three-bay maintenance hangar at Shannon Airport, employing more than 200 engineers and mechanics. The new facility would significantly increase maintenance capacity while strengthening Shannon’s position as one of Ireland’s leading aviation engineering centres.
The planned Engineering Academy, supported by Enterprise Ireland, will provide training facilities for up to 80 apprentices and help address growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance personnel. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the new hangar entering service in late 2028.
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said the investment reflects the airline’s long-term commitment to aviation engineering in Ireland. “Shannon already plays an important role in maintaining Ryanair’s fleet, and this expansion will create hundreds of highly skilled engineering jobs while training the next generation of aircraft mechanics in Ireland,” he said.
The announcement was welcomed by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia and Shannon Airport Group CEO Ray O’Driscoll, all of whom highlighted the investment’s importance for regional employment, skills development and Ireland’s aviation sector.
Shannon Airport and the adjoining Shannon Airport Business Park are home to Ireland’s largest aviation cluster, with almost 100 aviation-related companies operating across the campus. If approved, Ryanair’s latest investment will further reinforce the airport’s role as a key hub for aircraft maintenance, engineering and aviation training.
