Minister O'Keeffe announces 71 aircraft maintenance jobs in Dublin Airport

3 June 2010

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, today [Thursday] announced that the aircraft maintenance firm, Eirtech Aviation, is to create 71 jobs in Dublin Airport over the next three years.

The project is supported by Enterprise Ireland.

Eirtech Aviation will provide aircraft refurbishment, painting and engineering to commercial airlines, as well as private and business class aircraft operators and aircraft leasing companies.

The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shannon-based Eirtech Aviation Ltd which employs 65 workers and formed following a management buy-out of Lufthansa Technik Painting Shannon Ltd last year.

Speaking in Dublin Airport's Hanger Three today, Minister O'Keeffe described the announcement 'as a significant indication of the airport's capacity to attract maintenance firms and create high-quality jobs'.

'Over the past year, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, with the support of Government, have worked hard to develop Dublin Airport's aviation maintenance services and create new jobs.

'Eirtech Aviation is the latest Irish-owned aircraft maintenance company to establish in Dublin Airport and that will strengthen our reputation for high-quality maintenance services for the aviation industry worldwide,' said Minister O'Keeffe.

The Managing Director of Eirtech Aviation [Dublin] Ltd, Niall Cunningham, said: ‘As a recognised world-class leader in the area of aircraft design engineering and refurbishment, we are in the fortunate position of being able to expand and grow our presence in Ireland servicing both domestic and international markets.

‘We are operating in a highly competitive international marketplace but we have the experience and expertise to offer our clients a range of capabilities, skills and services to suit all aircraft types and challenges.

‘Our customer base includes international airlines, leasing companies and private jet operators and the establishment of our Dublin base provides greater flexibility to our clients.

‘We are extremely grateful for the support shown to us by Enterprise Ireland and we look forward to the growth and business opportunities that lie ahead for Eirtech Aviation on a global scale.’

The chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, Frank Ryan, said: ‘Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support Eirtech Aviation’s expansion to Dublin Airport.

‘The company has an energetic and highly experienced management team while its sister company in Shannon has a strong track record and robust customer base.

'These and other factors mean Eirtech Dublin has a solid base on which to develop a successful business.

‘We look forward to working with them as they build their global business and the Irish aviation maintenance industry in turn.’

The Commercial Director of the Dublin Airport Authority, Jack MacGowan, said the company was delighted that Eirtech had agreed to rent hangar space in the airport.

‘With this agreement in place we now have commitments for all six of the former SR Technics hangars in Dublin Airport,’ said Mr MacGowan.

ENDS/ETI2228