EirTrade Aviation spearheads comprehensive growth strategy in Knock, Ireland West Airport

Dublin, 10th November 2025: EirTrade Aviation, the global aviation asset management and trading company headquartered in Dublin, continues to grow its operations in Knock, Ireland West Airport with the achievement of three major milestones: the servicing agreement of four A330s, the addition of A330 Line Maintenance Approval, and the relocation of EirTrade’s AFRA-accredited engine disassembly facility.

“Dismantling of the first two A330 airframes (MSN 602 & 607) following redelivery will complete in four weeks’ time, however EirTrade will remarket and lease the CF6-80E1 engines to monetise remaining green time,” explains Chief Investment Officer, Lee Carey.

“Once they are unserviceable, the engines will also be disassembled and the components sold to support EirTrade’s A330 customers.”

Inventory removed from the aircraft will be sold, leased, and exchanged to support EirTrade’s A330 customer base.

In tandem with this acquisition, EirTrade has added EASA Part 145 Line Maintenance Approval for the A330 (GE CF6), A330 (PW 4000), A330 (RR Trent 700), A330 NEO (RR Trent 7000) to its capabilities. Carey verifies that the addition of the aircraft type will improve efficiency and the product offering for EirTrade’s customers.

He says, “EirTrade is extremely active on the A330 platform and the ability to support our own assets from our facility in Ireland West Airport will streamline operations. Moreover, in accordance with demand, we are now able to support lessors and airlines with redelivery and parking onsite for our customers’ A330 aircraft.”

The A330 approval is in addition to EirTrade’s prior existing approvals: for A318/A319/A320/A321 (CFM56), A319/A320/A321 (IAE V2500), A319/A320/A321 NEO (CFM LEAP-1A), A319/A320/A321 NEO (PW1100), B737-600/700/800/900NG (CFM56), B737-8/9/8200 MAX (CFM LEAP-1B).

In a commercial move to drive efficiency and improve costs, EirTrade has also relocated its engine disassembly facility to Knock. Services are now available at the new facility, providing support for: CFM56-3/-5A/-5B/-7B/-7BE engine types.

“EirTrade can now provide all maintenance services, aircraft disassembly, and engine disassembly services to customers from our facility at Ireland West Airport,” remarks Carey. “This streamlines EirTrade’s operational efficiency across the organisation and supports our wide range of services, including Asset Servicing, Leasing, Maintenance, Disassembly and Component Sales.”


Freighter Trends: Erik Van Son discusses demand for CFM56 maintenance and component MRO

In the September issue of Freighter Trends, Erik Van Son, Repairs Manager at EirTrade Aviation, offered his insights in two articles.

In the first, explains the continued demand for maintenance on CFM56 engines. “Supply chain and technical issues with the B737Max and A320NEO aircraft types have extended the lifecycle of B737NGs and the A320CEO family. As a result, additional/unplanned maintenance is required on the engines that propel these aircraft types. At EirTrade, we also consider the fact that engine MRO facilities are redirecting efforts to newer engine types, which puts pressure on the overhaul of the CFM56 engine family.”

Read the full article here.

In the second article, he addresses the growth of the component MRO sector, as well as the future role of AI and predictive maintenance in the industry. “These will start playing a more prominent role, although neither will extend the lifecycle on all components. EirTrade does foresee that these tools will ensure better maintenance planning/scheduling and reduce the time that aircraft/engines are out of service for maintenance.”

Read the full article here.

Articles courtesy of Freighter Trends


Freighter Trends: Tony Ramage discusses the key current influences in Engine Leasing and Trading amid supply-chain strains

Director of Operations & Trading, Tony Ramage discusses the key current influences in Engine Leasing and Trading amid supply-chain strains, in the June issue of Freighter Trends.

Tony Ramage comments, “At EirTrade Aviation we are seeing demand from airlines for previous generation engines on shorter-term lease, often to cover schedule or unscheduled engine shop visits.

“EirTrade is also witnessing OEMs broaden their MRO networks to ensure that there is sufficient capacity and expertise to provide the requisite support.”

Click here to read the full article.

Article courtesy of Freighter Trends 


EirTrade Aviation to manage four Airbus A330-300 aircraft acquired by Acorn Capital Management

EirTrade Aviation has confirmed its role as servicer for four Airbus A330-300 aircraft acquired by Scissortail Aviation International Leasing I Limited (SAIL I Ltd.), an entity managed by its parent company, Acorn Capital Management.

The aircraft, currently on lease with a major airline, will be managed by EirTrade during the term of the lease and through the end-of-life phase. This includes greentime engine leasing and disassembly, ensuring optimal value recovery from both engines and airframes. The partnership further strengthens EirTrade’s position as a trusted provider of asset management solutions.

Ken Fitzgibbon, CEO of EirTrade Aviation, stated, “This is a huge milestone for EirTrade Aviation as we continue to grow our asset management capabilities and demonstrate the proficiency of the relationship between EirTrade & Acorn Capital Management. The acquisition signals confidence in the platform we’ve built at EirTrade and the expertise we bring to managing complex, high-value assets.”

Lee Carey, Chief Investment Officer at EirTrade Aviation, also commented: “Following on from the existing lease terms, the engines and airframes will provide the business with an excellent pipeline of high-demand material and greentime engines to support our customers operating A330 aircraft. This transaction reinforces the strength of our internal collaboration with Acorn and positions EirTrade to deliver even greater value across the A330 platform.”

Justin Chung, Head of Alternative Credit Strategies at Acorn Capital Management, added: “This partnership with EirTrade is a critical step in our strategy to ensure long-term value across our aviation portfolio. Their extensive experience in asset management, particularly within the A330 space, aligns perfectly with our goals and enhances our ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities.”

EirTrade’s expertise in managing aircraft assets through their entire lifecycle, from in-service operation to end-of-life solutions, ensures that each aircraft is optimally managed to deliver maximum value. This transaction marks a significant milestone in EirTrade’s continued expansion into full-lifecycle asset management, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for lessors, investors, and operators worldwide.


AviTrader MRO 360°: Eoin Doherty discusses the key influences of component value following aircraft disassembly

Technical – asset manager, Eoin Doherty discusses the key influences of component value following aircraft disassembly, in the April issue of AviTrader MRO 360°.

Doherty comments, “As a supplier of USM, EirTrade ensures the highest quality standards of all our material. It is vital to us that our inventory comes with approved release certificates, including EASA, FAA and CAAC certs. In addition to this, we have dedicated teams responsible for ensuring the highest standard of technical paperwork and back-to-birth traceability.”

Click here to read the full article.

Article courtesy of AviTrader


Freighter Trends: Dan Trigg and Jake Glover discuss the spare parts components market

Senior Sales Manager, Dan Trigg, and Purchasing & Sales Manager, Jake Glover, discuss the spare parts components market, in the March issue of Freighter Trends.

Trigg comments, “The spare parts components market is on that continues to grow in both value, complexity and competitiveness. To stay ahead of the curve, it is vitally important to procure in an efficient and pro-active way.”

Glover adds, “The ongoing OEM backlog continues to disrupt aftermarket parts flow, however signs of improvement are emerging. At EirTrade Aviation we feel that a hybrid approach utilising both USM and OEM parts can help improve delivery timelines and offer cost-effective solutions for customers.”

Click here to read the full article.

Article courtesy of Freighter Trends.


Freighter Trends: Christen Grant discusses the trends driving the demand for aircraft disassembly and the role it plays in addressing supply chain issues

Business Development Manager, Christen Grant, discusses the trends driving the demand for aircraft disassembly and the role it plays in addressing supply chain issues, in the March issue of Freighter Trends.

Grant comments, “The delay in delivering new aircraft to the market coupled with engine issues and demand for P2F conversions in recent times, particularly on narrowbody aircraft, has contributed to an inflation of the market value, particularly B737NG and A321 aircraft.

“There is a huge demand for Used Serviceable Material (USM) for these aircraft types but the inflated values in recent times have made it more difficult to acquire such aircraft for the purpose of disassembly.”

Click here to read the full article.

Article courtesy of Freighter Trends.


MRO Management: Jim Maguinness shares an insight into how aircraft end-of-life activity is evolving to maximise value while reducing environmental impact

Quality Manager, Jim Maguinness, shares an insight into how aircraft end-of-life activity is evolving to maximise value while reducing environmental impact, in the March issue of MRO Management.

Maguinness comments, “Our goal is to maximise the value of the asset and return all reusable parts, materials, and components into service. We are committed to employing best management practices in the disassembly of end-of-life aircraft, ensuring optimal environmental sustainability and performance.”

Click here to read the full article.

Article courtesy of MRO Management.


2 weeks to go until MRO Americas 2025

Just 2 weeks to go until MRO Americas in Atlanta, Georgia! From 8-10 April, our team looks forward to connecting with customers and colleagues.

Please contact the team directly to arrange a meeting:

  • Ken Fitzgibbon, CEO
  • Paul Gleeson, Chief Commercial Officer
  • Lee Carey, Chief Investment Officer
  • William Thompson, VP Origination & Trading – Americas
  • James Grey, Director of Sales & Purchasing
  • Christen Grant, Business Development Manager
  • Peter Murray, Senior Key Account Manager
  • Jeffrey Lee, Sales Manager Americas
  • Jake Glover, Purchasing & Sales Manager
  • Erik van Son, Repairs Manager
  • Pádraig Pearson, Repair – Operations Executive