Usher Aviation bought by US firm locating European base at Shannon

A US-based aircraft maintenance company has confirmed plans to locate its new strategic corporate headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Shannon Airport.

North American Aircraft Services, which has its global headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, has also announced that it has acquired Sligo Airport-based specialist aviation company, Usher Aviation Ireland Ltd.

Usher Aviation Ireland Ltd was established by Barry Usher in 2007, specialising in the maintenance of all general aviation piston engine aircraft, including corporate aircraft.

As a result of the takeover, NAAS has established an Irish subsidiary, NAAS Aircraft Services International Ltd, which will be based in the Shannon Free Zone adjacent to Shannon Airport.

The new entity will be first aviation services company to establish in Shannon where airport management are bidding to create an International Aviation Services Centre as part of its future development.

The company is the first aviation services provider to set up in Shannon since the airport was granted independence from the Dublin Airport Authority in December.

NAAS aircraft services international managing director Ray Raoufi said NAAS hoped to create additional employment at Shannon for highly skilled technicians.

Usher Aviation Ireland Ltd founder and General Manager of NAAS in Ireland Barry Usher said: “At this stage of Usher Aviation Ireland Ltd’s growth, this is a fantastic opportunity for further quality growth and expansion. We are looking forward to developing our business model in Sligo into additional specialist services. We intend to become even more involved in the corporate and military sectors.”

Rose Hynes,, chairwoman of the Shannon Airport Authority, said: “The establishment of NAAS is the first aviation business to locate at Shannon since the separation of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority.”

NAAS provides specialised aircraft maintenance services worldwide, including fuel systems maintenance, field services and aircraft on ground support, fuel cell repair, and overhaul and line maintenance.