Dublin – EirTrade Aviation has received full planning permission from Mayo County Council to expand its facility at Knock, Ireland West Airport.

The company plans to significantly increase the size of its existing site as part of a development intended to expand capacity for engine and airframe disassembly as well as EASA Part 145 line maintenance services.

FACILITY EXPANSION PLANNED

The proposed development will extend EirTrade Aviation’s current 2,100 square metre site with an additional 10,500 square metre facility.

Plans for the expansion include the construction of an aircraft hangar designed to accommodate one narrowbody aircraft, with provisions to support airframe disassembly and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, including line maintenance.

The new facility will also include a workshop and crating area, high-bay very narrow aisle (VNA) racking, bulk storage areas and dedicated engine storage facilities.

CONSOLIDATING OPERATIONS AT KNOCK

Steven Trowell, Senior Vice President – Maintenance & Disassembly at EirTrade Aviation, said the project follows the relocation of the company’s engine disassembly facility to Knock in November 2025.

According to Trowell, the new development will provide a modern and functional space that will consolidate the company’s services at Ireland West Airport. The facility will enable EirTrade to deliver maintenance, aircraft disassembly and engine disassembly services from a single location.

He added that asset management, parts trading and leasing support will also be provided from the site through the company’s on-site parts inventory.

DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES

The proposed facility has been designed with consideration for airside and runway regulations at Ireland West Airport. The project also includes plans for a high-performance building envelope and an extensive solar panel installation intended to help the facility exceed sustainability and regulatory requirements.

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in late 2026. The project will be delivered in coordination with the Irish Aviation Authority.

The development will be managed on behalf of EirTrade Aviation by Galway-based O’Neill O’Malley Architecture & Project Management, which will oversee procurement, construction and final delivery of the project.

Tom Bond, Operations Director at O’Neill O’Malley, said the granting of full planning permission represents a key milestone for the programme and allows the project to move forward to the next stage of development.

EirTrade Aviation is a global aviation asset management and trading company headquartered in Dublin, with facilities and representation across Europe, the United States and Asia. The company provides asset management services to MRO providers, operators and aircraft lessors, including aircraft storage and disassembly, engine disassembly and parts trading.