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EirTrade Aviation, the aftermarket parts provider that recently made waves by acquiring two very young Airbus A320neos for teardown, has received permission to quintuple the size of its teardown facility in Ireland.
Although the ex-Spirit Airlines A320neos will be parted out in the U.S., EirTrade clearly sees potential for more work at its site in Knock, Ireland, where local government has greenlit plans to grow to 10,500 m2 (approximately 113,000 ft.2) from 2,100 m2 (approximately 22,600 ft.2)
“We are dedicated to providing efficient services to our customers, offering maintenance services, aircraft disassembly and engine disassembly all at one location,” says Steven Trowell, SVP of maintenance and disassembly at EirTrade Aviation. “Not only that, but asset management and parts trading and leasing support can also be provided from Knock, owing to the parts inventory we will keep on-site.”
In fall 2025, EirTrade relocated its engine disassembly business to its Knock site.
The development is scheduled to start construction in late 2026. It will include an aircraft hangar capable of accommodating one narrowbody aircraft that will be used to perform airframe disassembly and MRO operations, including line maintenance. The facility will also include engine storage and a workshop and crating area.
Speaking to Aviation Week earlier this year, EirTrade noted that demand for legacy engine material remained strong, adding that there was little prospect of an oversupply of used serviceable material given fleet demographics, OEM lead times and sustained shop visits.
Aftermarket players will hope that assessment holds true following recent oil and jet fuel price increases due to the Iran war. If sustained, these have the potential to depress passenger demand through higher inflation, while also testing the economics of continuing to operate older equipment.
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