Major aviation facility expansion approved at Mayo Airport

A major aviation development has been given the green light in Co. Mayo after Mayo County Council granted full planning permission for a significant expansion of operations at Ireland West Airport Knock.

Global aviation asset management company EirTrade Aviation has received approval to substantially increase the size of its existing facility at the airport, a move expected to strengthen aviation industry activity in the region.

The project will see the company expand its current 2,100 square metre site by an additional 10,500 square metres, creating a large new facility to support aircraft engine and airframe disassembly as well as maintenance operations.

The development will include a new aircraft hangar capable of accommodating a narrowbody aircraft, alongside workshop and crating areas, high-bay storage racking, bulk storage facilities and dedicated engine storage space.

According to the company, the expansion will allow a range of services to be carried out at one location, including aircraft maintenance, engine disassembly and parts storage.

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Steven Trowell, Senior Vice President for Maintenance and Disassembly at EirTrade Aviation, said the project builds on the company’s decision to relocate its engine disassembly operations to Knock last year.

“Following the relocation of our engine disassembly facility to Knock in November 2025, this modern, functional space will consolidate our streamlined and comprehensive service provision at Ireland West Airport,” he said.

He added that the development demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting aircraft operators, owners and leasing companies internationally while operating from the Mayo airport.

The new facility is also being designed with sustainability in mind, with plans for a high-performance building envelope and an extensive solar panel installation to exceed environmental standards.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the project being managed by O’Neill O’Malley Architecture & Project Management, a Galway-based multidisciplinary firm.