Ryanair has revealed plans to significantly expand its maintenance capabilities at Prestwick Airport in Scotland, announcing a €40 million investment to add four more bays to its existing facility. This expansion will increase the number of maintenance bays from six to ten, making it Ryanair’s largest heavy maintenance hangar and supporting its fleet growth.
The project is expected to create around 450 new engineering and mechanic jobs, including apprenticeships, with support from the UK government, Scottish government, and Scottish Enterprise. Ryanair has operated at Prestwick since 2003 and previously invested in a training academy there in late 2024, aimed at creating about 500 jobs through engineering and support staff training.
Strategic Expansion and Network Support
This expansion aligns with Ryanair’s broader strategy to bolster its in-house maintenance capacity, which currently handles about 75% of its aircraft checks. Alongside Prestwick, the airline maintains facilities across Europe, including Frankfurt, Glasgow, Kaunas, Seville, Shannon, and Wroclaw, working with partners like Joramco.
"This development will enable us to better serve our expanding fleet and sustain our growth objectives," said a Ryanair spokesperson. The company’s fleet of approximately 647 aircraft comprises mainly Boeing 737NG and 737-8-200 models, with future orders including the 737-10 aircraft.
The expansion at Prestwick represents part of Ryanair’s plan to improve its control over engine maintenance by opening dedicated engine shops in Europe and possibly North Africa by 2029. The company continues to invest in its MRO footprint and workforce, ensuring readiness to support its growth targets over the coming years.
