Minister Alan Dillon, minister of state for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, has led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world's most important aerospace and aviation events.

44,000 full-time jobs

Ireland's aerospace, aviation and space sectors make a significant contribution to the economy, with a combined value of approximately €4.6bn, including €2.2bn from aviation, €1.5bn from aerospace and aviation supply chain activities, and a further €0.9bn in associated spend. The sector comprises approximately 250 companies, including 130 Enterprise Ireland-supported businesses, and supports about 44,000 full-time jobs.

The trade mission will support Enterprise Ireland client companies to engage with international customers, strategic partners and industry leaders. The Ireland pavilion showcases Ireland's strengths to a global audience, in advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, aviation services and emerging technologies, including drones, eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) and space technologies. Enterprise Ireland clients exhibiting at Farnborough include Avtrain, Atlantic Aviation, Euram, Hummingbird, the Emerald Aero Group cluster and Cora Systems. 

Euram, an Offaly-based specialist in aircraft engine maintenance, disassembly, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has announced plans to create 45 new high-skilled jobs by 2027 as part of a major expansion programme driven by growing global demand. The company, which currently employs more than 40 people, has recently completed a new 20,000-sq-ft MRO facility, commenced construction of an 11,000-sq-ft warehouse and is planning a further 64,000-sq-ft expansion. The investment will effectively double Euram's workforce and further strengthen Co Offaly's position as a key international aviation services hub.

Ireland remains a global leader in aircraft leasing, with 14 of the world's top 15 aircraft lessors headquartered in Ireland. Irish-based lessors manage aircraft assets valued at approximately €270bn, representing 69% of the global leased fleet, around 9,500 aircraft, alongside a significant future order book of more than 2,300 aircraft.

Advanced aerospace manufacturing and aircraft leasing

Minister Dillon said: "Ireland has established itself as a globally recognised centre of excellence in MRO and aviation services; advanced aerospace manufacturing and aircraft leasing, with a growing reputation for innovation across emerging technologies including drones, advanced air mobility and the space sector. Farnborough International Airshow provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Irish companies and secure new business opportunities that will support future investment, exports and job creation across the sector."

The mission aims to strengthen commercial relationships across key aerospace manufacturing hubs, including the UK, US, Canada, Europe and Morocco, while positioning Ireland as a trusted partner within global aerospace, aviation and space supply chains.

The trade mission programme includes meetings with senior executives from Airbus, Boeing International, Bombardier and Archer Aviation, alongside engagements with key international partners and prime contractors aimed at strengthening Ireland's position within global aerospace and aviation supply chains. Minister Dillon will also host an industry lunch focused on Ireland's innovation capabilities in drones, eVTOL aircraft and the next generation of aerospace technologies. The programme further includes meetings with representatives from Enterprise Ireland client companies active across ESA supply chains, including ÉireComposites, Realtra, Hummingbird Aero and Celtonn.

Leo McAdams, head of advanced manufacturing, construction and life sciences, Enterprise Ireland, said: "Enterprise Ireland clients are delivering specialised products, technologies and services across global aerospace, aviation and space supply chains. The announcements being made at Farnborough this week demonstrate the ambition, capability and international reach of Irish industry.

"From advanced manufacturing and aircraft maintenance to emerging areas such as drones, eVTOL technologies and space applications, Irish companies are helping to shape the future of the sector. Farnborough provides an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships, win new business and showcase Ireland's credentials on a global stage."