Dublin Aerospace Opens Landing Gear Facility

Dublin Aerospace has undergone an expansion of its business over the past few years including acquiring a new location in Exeter.
Credit: Dublin Aerospace

Dublin Aerospace has opened a new landing gear facility in Ireland focusing on models for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 landing gear overhaul and spread across a 70,000 square foot area. 

The 70,000 ft.2 facility is located in Ashbourne, Co Meath around 15 miles north west of Dublin and has capacity for up to 350 overhauls per year. The facility has four electro-plating lines, light and heavy machine shops, a dedicated inspection area and a non-destructive center. Dublin Aerospace says the facility has capability for complete overhaul in one location.

The development is the result of a €12 million ($13.9 million) investment via Irish government agency Enterprise Ireland along with Dublin Aerospace shareholders. Once fully operational, the facility will employ up to 150 people. The company also plans to develop a landing gear technician traineeship.

Speaking at the official opening on Tuesday (Oct. 26), Dublin Aerospace’s CEO and chairman Conor McCarthy said: “We are operating in a globally competitive sector, where having the right talent, skills, and attitude is crucial.” McCarthy confirmed plans to grow its training operation. “We pride ourselves as being a learning and training organization, with more than 100 young men and women in training at any time, with ambitious plans to increase this number in the near future,” he said.

The company was founded in 2009 and has been expanding over the past few years in an effort to grow its international customer base. Staff numbers have surpassed more than 500 people across locations in Ireland and the UK. 

Last year it acquired Flybe Maintenance Services, the maintenance division of stricken UK airline Flybe and rebranded the operation as Exeter Aerospace. The MRO focuses on ATR, Bombardier and Embraer aircraft.

James Pozzi

As Aviation Week's MRO Editor EMEA, James Pozzi covers the latest industry news from the European region and beyond. He also writes in-depth features on the commercial aftermarket for Inside MRO.