This article is from page 14 of the 2012-05-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
UP to 100 additional aircraft maintenance jobs are expected to come on stream in Shannon after the launch of Transaero Engineering Ireland by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny on Friday last.
The new company marks the official take over of the former Air Atlanta Aero Engineering facility at the airport by Transaero Airlines, the second largest airline in Russia.
In heralding the new company, the Taoiseach said he was “delighted that a significant global airline such as Transaero has chosen Shannon as a location for its maintenance facility.
“It is a major vote of confidence in the workforce of Transaero Engineering Ireland, the Shannon region and in the continuing economic recovery of Ireland. It highlights the value of economic stability in attracting new investment to Ireland. I am delighted that the maintenance company with its skilled workforce will continue to operate in Shannon and that the addition of new aircraft types to their product range will result in more skilled and qualified staff being added in the near future. This deal very much fits within the Government’s focus on developing strategic trade relations into devel- oped markets such as Russia. This investment can showcase the capabilities of Irish companies within the Russian Federation,” he added.
“Shannon Airport and the surrounding infrastructure offer excellent opportunities for expansion which was one of the key drivers in the acquisition of AAAE,” said Transaero Airlines, Managing Director, Alexander Krinichanskiy. “Currently a number of Transaero Engineering Ireland’s staff are undergoing EASA 147 training for line/project maintenance on the Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft to enhance the product range of the facility and we will also seek to increase interior, engineering and training capabilities and we would expect to increase the staff numbers from the current 241,” he added.
Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, said, “Air Atlanta Aero Engineering is a key client of Shannon Development in the Shannon Aviation cluster and we are delighted with today’s announcement. We welcome Transaero Airlines acquisition of Air Atlanta and look forward to working with the company to support them to grow their business at Shannon. Transaero is a globally recognised progressive airline and represents a significant addition to the aviation base at Shannon.”