Ryanair Announces Major £40 Million Investment at Prestwick Airport
Ryanair has unveiled a significant £40 million expansion project at Prestwick Airport in South Ayrshire, which is set to create 450 highly-skilled engineering and mechanic positions alongside 60 valuable apprenticeships. This substantial investment will transform the airport's maintenance capabilities and establish it as a key hub for aircraft servicing and training.
Expansion Details and Job Creation
The expansion involves constructing a new 11,938 square metre, four-bay heavy maintenance hangar, increasing Ryanair's total maintenance bays at Prestwick from six to ten. This development will make the site Ryanair's largest heavy maintenance facility globally, positioning it as a central maintenance and training centre for the airline's growing fleet.
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson emphasised the strategic importance of this investment, stating: "As Europe's leading airline, we are proud to announce this further £40 million commitment at Prestwick Airport. This state-of-the-art facility will be crucial as we expand our fleet to 800 aircraft and serve 300 million passengers by 2034."
Government Support and Economic Impact
The Scottish Government has committed £15 million to support the expansion through Scottish Enterprise, while the UK Government is investing nearly £5 million in enabling infrastructure. This public funding is part of a broader £32 million UK Government investment in the Prestwick aerospace cluster, aimed at establishing Ayrshire as a premier UK aerospace hub.
First Minister John Swinney welcomed the announcement, saying: "I am delighted that Scottish Government investment will support 450 skilled jobs at Prestwick, creating major economic benefits for Ayrshire and beyond. Ryanair's expansion decision recognises the exceptional talent and expertise of our local workforce."
UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill added: "This project demonstrates how public funding can unlock substantial private investment, driving employment and economic renewal. Ryanair's decision to build its largest heavy maintenance hangar here represents a massive win for Ayrshire and a powerful endorsement of our local workforce."
Building on Previous Investments
This latest development follows Ryanair's £5 million investment in its Prestwick training academy, which opened in October 2024 and created 500 jobs. Together, these investments underscore Ryanair's long-term commitment to Scotland's aviation sector and economic development.
Wilson highlighted the collaborative effort behind the expansion: "We thank Deputy First Minister Forbes, the Scottish Government, UK Government, South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, and Prestwick Airport for their crucial support. Their partnership has enabled us to develop Prestwick into a major maintenance and training hub that will deliver skilled careers and economic benefits for years to come."
The expansion is expected to have significant ripple effects throughout the local economy, supporting supply chains and related industries while providing world-class career opportunities for aspiring engineers in the region.
