Around 450 engineering jobs and apprenticeships are set to be created at Prestwick Airport following a major expansion of Ryanair’s aircraft maintenance facility.
The project, supported by more than £15 million in public funding, will see the airline expand its maintenance operations from six to ten bays, significantly increasing capacity at the site. The new roles will include aircraft mechanics, avionics specialists, structures technicians and supervisory engineering positions, alongside around 60 apprenticeships aimed at developing future skills in the sector.
The investment forms part of a wider effort to grow the Prestwick aerospace cluster, with infrastructure improvements planned across the site. These include upgrades to parking, a new pedestrian footbridge and flood mitigation measures to support long-term operational growth.
Funding has been drawn from multiple sources, including the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which is jointly backed by the UK and Scottish governments as well as local authorities.
In addition to job creation, the programme includes targeted support for individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with limited prior engineering experience and older workers, with structured training pathways intended to lead to long-term skilled roles.
“I am delighted that Scottish Government investment will support the creation of 450 skilled jobs at Prestwick, which will have a major economic impact in Ayrshire and beyond,” said First Minister John Swinney. “Ryanair has chosen to expand at Prestwick because of the talent and expertise on the ground and it is testament to the skills of the existing workforce.”
Ryanair said the expansion represents a £40 million investment and will establish Prestwick as its largest heavy maintenance facility.
“This new state-of-the-art, 4-bay hangar and component workshops will make Prestwick our largest heavy maintenance facility,” said Ryanair Chief Executive Eddie Wilson. “These investments underline Ryanair’s long-term commitment to Scotland and to developing the next generation of aviation talent.”
The expansion builds on earlier investment at the airport, including the opening of a training academy in 2024, and is expected to strengthen Prestwick’s role as a key maintenance and training hub within the UK aviation sector.
So Aeralis won’t be the Hawk replacement then?
Because..? I’ve no view on Aeralis, I just wondered what made you say that.
Might be wrong but I recall mention of Prestwick as a possible assembly site for Aeralis.