€375,000 development fund aims to help aviation sector take off

Finding out if the aviation sector can take off is the aim of a €375,000 competitive feasibility fund launched in Shannon Airport yesterday.

The fund can provide up to €25,000 per project and is hoping to stimulate new start-ups, or expansion of existing business activity in the sector.

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton said developing Shannon as an aviation hub was part of the Government’s plan to tackle unemployment.

“A key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is targeting specific sectors where we have established strengths, and supporting growth and expansion in those areas in order to create jobs.

“Aviation is one such sector. We already have in place a world-class aviation ecosystem, which offers tremendous potential for new and exciting businesses to carve out opportunities for innovative products and services.

“In particular, as part of our plans for the Shannon region, we are targeting the establishment of an international aviation centre of excellence to support growth and jobs in the region.”

The fund is open to applications from the sector including financial services, aircraft and engine leasing, aviation software and IT, training, travel-related software and related services, small aircraft assembly, aircraft dismantle, maintenance repair operations airframe and components, and other activities.

* Applications can now be made and will remain open until Sept 16. For more, visit enterprise-ireland.com/aviation