The business of keeping aeroplanes flying longer and safer is one of the fastest growing sectors of the industry in Europe, according to the organisers at a two-day conference which officially opens at the University of Limerick today.

More than 1,000 delegates arrived last night for the first European Maintenance Repair and Overall conference and exhibition. It is organised by Aviation Week group in partnership with Shannon Development, the Federation of Aerospace Enterprises in Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

Mr Kenneth E. Gassola, Aviation Week executive vice president/publisher said: "Growth in aviation maintenance, repair and overall in Europe is being driven by the expansion of air service by traditional airlines, a proliferation of new competitors, deliveries of technologically sophisticated new large and regional aircraft and a drive to keep older aircraft flying longer and safer."

Mr Paul Sheane, Shannon Development chief executive, said that aircraft maintenance was a £23 billion (€29 billion) industry predicted to grow by a further £3 billion over the next four years.

He said the Republic was already a major contributor with more than companies directly involved. These, he said, employed a highly skilled workforce and many of the industry's leaders already operated from within the State. He added that with the skills now developed in this country, we could accommodate additional aerospace investment which would focus on future trends and developments and give us an opportunity to explore new areas for this country.