NEARLY 200 jobs at an aircraft maintenance company in Shannon have been secured with news that the business has been purchased while recruitment of additional staff is also under way.
Air Atlanta Aero Engineering has been purchased by Moscow-based airline and aircraft maintenance company Transaero and will now operate as Transaero Engineering Ireland.
Acquisition of the company will secure the 180 jobs at the facility while, before the deal was finalised, Air Atlanta had already begun a recruitment campaign to secure additional aircraft engineers.
The operation specialises in maintenance of Boeing 737, 757 and 767 series aircraft for customers including commercial, cargo and corporate airlines and leasing.
The firm is now recruiting licensed engineers for next-generation Boeing 737s as well as Boeing 747 Jumbos and Boeing 777s.
Transaero has taken over the former Air Atlanta’s 10,000sq m hangar on the northeast side of Shannon airport. It is expected to construct at least one additional hangar there for the larger jets.
“This is what Shannon is good at,” said Shannon-based Senator Tony Mulcahy. “The airport [is] world-renowned . . . for high-quality maintenance, repair and overhaul, and Aer Atlanta had always been at the top in this area.
“This is great news, not just for the workers, and a real win-win for Shannon.”
There has been speculation that Transaero may operate commercial flights through Shannon and could reopen the Shannon to Moscow route.
Mayor of Shannon Mary Brennan said: “With Transaero now coming, maybe we could hope it may also bring some flights and that the future of Shannon would start to look brighter.”