Ireland needs more aircraft repair firms, not just lessors

Last week, I visited a facility in Shannon that overhauls and maintains commercial aircraft, writes Joe Gill.

It was a busy site, with aircraft from various countries attended to by a workforce that reaches almost 300 during its peak.

Of all elements within the aviation industry that are employment-rich, the so-called MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) sector has the greatest potential. Efficient, well-managed MRO companies can create a lot of jobs, if progressive government policies and innovative companies combine to attract increasing numbers of aircraft.