EirTrade Targets Airline Growth After 737, A320 Line Maintenance Approvals

EirTrade Aviation Maintenance has received EASA Part 145 approval to conduct line maintenance on Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft at its facility in Knock, Ireland as part of efforts to grow capabilities and attract more airlines to the west Ireland location.

EirTrade says that the process to gain certification from Europe’s regulator took around 12 months up to the completion date in late November 2022. It worked with the Irish Aviation Authority to establish procedures, personnel, facilities, tools, and equipment to meet the regulatory requirements.

The approval for Dublin-headquartered EirTrade covers several variants of the narrowbody aircraft, including A320 family aircraft, A320neo aircraft, 737 classics and 737-Max aircraft. 

According to Andy Cahill, line maintenance manager at EirTrade Aviation Maintenance, the move to gain part 145 approval was spurred by the company wishing to add more MRO services at the airport, where it is the only line maintenance provider. Cahill cites greater cost savings and faster turnaround times as some of the main benefits for airlines and lessors sending aircraft to Knock, located around 55 miles north of Galway.

Following the EASA approval, further capability expansions are also being considered with the development of additional hangar facilities at its existing 20,000 ft.2 Knock facility. The addition of further aircraft types including regional aircraft is also under consideration for the future.

Joe Gilmore, managing director of Ireland West Airport, says that EirTrade’s newest approval will be beneficial for the airport and provides significant support for future airline and passenger growth at Knock.

“Our existing airline partners, Ryanair and Aer Lingus, will be able to access approved line maintenance services as well as on-site support that can deliver immediate action in the event of aircraft issues arising during operations,” he says. 

“Having approved EASA Part 145 line maintenance located at Ireland West Airport will also be an added incentive in support of our ambitions to attract new airlines to develop their services at Knock,” Gilmore adds.