Ryanair has submitted a planning application for a €50 million expansion of its engineering operations at Shannon Airport, including a new four-bay MRO hangar that will become the airline’s largest aircraft maintenance facility in Ireland.

The proposed development will expand Ryanair’s existing engineering base at Shannon, where the carrier already operates a three-bay maintenance hangar supporting more than 200 mechanics and engineering jobs.

The investment also includes the creation of a Ryanair Engineering Academy, supported by Enterprise Ireland, which will introduce 80 new apprenticeship positions and train more than 400 additional aircraft mechanics between 2027 and 2031.

Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the new facility scheduled to enter service in late 2028.

The airline said the new hangar will play an important role in strengthening aircraft maintenance capability, operational resilience and engineering training across its network.

Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s chief executive, said: “This project is about jobs, skills and growth. 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.

“We welcome Enterprise Ireland’s support for this investment, which will help deliver more high-skilled jobs, apprenticeships and long-term aviation growth in the Shannon region.

“Together with our new Dublin hangar, this investment demonstrates Ryanair’s long-term commitment to making Ireland a leading European centre for aviation maintenance and engineering excellence.”

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said: “The government, through Enterprise Ireland, is committed to scaling and building Irish multinationals that will help drive the Irish economy and our competitive advantage forward.

“Ryanair’s announcement today is evidence of that Irish multinational ambition in action, and we are delighted to support them on their Shannon expansion plans to include the establishment of a dedicated Ryanair Engineering Academy.”

Enterprise Ireland chief executive, Jenny Melia, said: “Ryanair’s announcement of 400 new jobs is a strong endorsement of Ireland as a location for long-term investment and growth. As one of Ireland’s most successful global companies, Ryanair continues to expand its international footprint while reinforcing its commitment to its Irish operations.

“The company’s investment in skills and training in Shannon is particularly significant, supporting the development of specialist talent and helping to address critical skills needs across the aviation sector. This investment further strengthens Ireland’s position as a centre of excellence for aviation.

“Ambitious companies like Ryanair exemplify Enterprise Ireland’s vision – that Irish globally focused companies will be the primary driver of our economy.”

Shannon Airport Group chief executive, Ray O’Driscoll, said: “Ryanair’s proposal to invest at Shannon is a powerful endorsement of Shannon Airport, our aviation ecosystem and the wider region.

“From the birthplace of aircraft leasing, Shannon has grown into a global hub for aviation services and engineering. Today, Shannon Airport and the adjacent Shannon Airport Business Park together support Ireland’s largest aviation cluster, with almost 100 companies operating across the campus.

“The scale of Ryanair’s proposal reflects the depth of aviation expertise, engineering capability and talent that has developed here over decades.”

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