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Aircraft Engine Repairs Expected to Create 2,500 Jobs

Aircraft Engine Repairs Set to Generate 2,500 Jobs in Ireland Amid Growing Global Demand
Aircraft engine maintenance and repair is emerging as a significant growth opportunity for Ireland, with the potential to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and generate billions in revenue. A recent report by Goodbody stockbrokers highlights the expanding global market for aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), which is expected to increase from $119 billion in 2024 to $156 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by the rise in global air travel and airlines’ efforts to meet stringent climate targets.
Ireland’s Strategic Position in the Global MRO Market
Ireland’s established leadership in aircraft leasing places the country in a unique position to capture a substantial share of the expanding engine MRO market. Goodbody analysts Dudley Shanley and Antonio Duarte estimate that the development of three to five engine maintenance facilities by 2030 could create approximately 2,500 new jobs. Even capturing a modest 1 to 2 percent of the global MRO market could translate into billions of euros in revenue for Ireland.
Currently, Ireland hosts several successful aircraft maintenance businesses, but these primarily focus on airframe maintenance rather than engine repairs. Engine maintenance is a highly specialised and well-compensated segment of the aviation industry, offering significant economic benefits. The report, titled “Ireland’s Opportunity: The Engine MRO Super Cycle,” will be presented at the upcoming Invest in Aviation conference in Dublin.
Challenges and Competitive Landscape
Despite Ireland’s advantages, the country faces intense competition from major international carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines leverage extensive repair networks to maintain market dominance and apply pressure on low-cost competitors like Spirit Airlines. Additionally, companies such as FTAI Aviation are rapidly expanding their fleets and repair operations, further intensifying competition for MRO contracts.
Operational challenges in the industry, including durability issues with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, are driving increased global demand for engine repair services. These dynamics underscore the urgency for Ireland to act strategically and swiftly to secure a foothold in the global MRO sector.
Recommendations for Industry Development
The Goodbody report advises that Ireland initially focus on high-demand segments, particularly short-haul aircraft engines, where growth prospects are strongest. It recommends that IDA Ireland, the state agency responsible for attracting multinational investment, play an active role in fostering the engine MRO industry. This would involve leveraging Ireland’s dominance in aircraft leasing—where companies based in the country manage over half of the world’s leased aircraft—and encouraging the co-location of engine maintenance facilities, suppliers, and training resources.
Further support comes from the Pathfinder for Irish Aviation report, which, backed by Irelandia’s Declan Ryan, calls for establishing at least one engine repair facility at either Derry or Shannon airports. The Goodbody analysts also propose that the Irish Strategic Investment Fund consider co-investing in new facilities, while government incentives such as research and development tax credits could stimulate innovation in engine diagnostics and predictive maintenance technologies.
As global competition intensifies and demand for engine repairs continues to rise, Ireland’s success in mobilising investment, workforce training, and industry partnerships will be critical to realising the projected job creation and economic benefits.

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