Dublin Aerospace (DAL) has opened a new landing gear facility in Ashbourne, County Meath, Republic of Ireland.

The 70,000sq ft site, which will specialise in Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 landing gear overhaul, has the capacity to perform up to 350 overhauls per year.

With four new electro-plating lines, light and heavy machine shops, dedicated inspection, and NDT centre, DAL said the unit can accomplish the tasks required for a complete overhaul under one roof.

Dublin Aerospace’s CEO Conor McCarthy described the opening of the facility as “a true testament the proficiency of the team, their hard work and their commitment”.

The new landing gear and overhaul facility was financed by a €12 million investment supported by the Irish government through its state development agency Enterprise Ireland.

The facility was officially opened on 27 October by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

Speaking at the opening event, Varadkar said: “I know aviation was one of the sectors worst affected by the pandemic. The government has tried to help aviation firms get through it with wage subsidies and rates waivers.

“Through long-term investment in our airports, we are committed to helping the sector fully recover and thrive again.

“This state-of-the-art landing gear facility will employ 150 people once fully up and running. The €12 million investment by Dublin Aerospace and the government through Enterprise Ireland is a real vote of confidence in what I believe will be a very strong recovery in the industry.”