Ryanair officially opens its second maintenance hangar at Glasgow Prestwick Airport which cost £8m and will sustain 200 engineering jobs, increasing the total jobs supported by Ryanair in Ayrshire to over 2,400. The facility was officially opened by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond and Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary.

The Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Prestwick Airport secured this 6,000 sq/m hangar investment despite intense competition from five other Ryanair bases throughout Europe. They were also instrumental in securing Ryanair’s first 4,000 sq/m hangar which opened in 2004.

By securing this new investment the Scottish Government has supported the creation of 400 engineering and support jobs, which will maintain a large portion of Ryanair’s 260 aircraft fleet.

Speaking at Glasgow Prestwick, Michael O’Leary said:

“Ryanair wishes to thank First Minister Alex Salmond, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Prestwick Airport for their help and support in winning this new hangar and these 200 new jobs for Ayrshire and Scotland despite intense competition from five other European airports. Ryanair’s second maintenance hangar at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, will create 200 new engineering jobs, in addition to the 2,200 local jobs which have already been created and sustained in Ayrshire as a direct result of Ryanair’s base and our existing hangar facility at Glasgow Prestwick.

Ryanair’s successful growth in Scotland is possible thanks to our on-going partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, who have repeatedly supported our vision for many more low fare flights to/from Scotland.”

Officially opening the new hangar, First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“I am delighted that Ryanair is strengthening its operations in Scotland. This impressive new hangar will create 200 new jobs in Ayrshire and is delivering £8 million of investment into the Scottish economy.

“Despite competition for a number of European locations, Ryanair chose to create a second hangar in Ayrshire and this is testament to the skills and quality of the local workforce.

“The airline’s commitment to expand its operations in Ayrshire builds on Prestwick’s reputation as a centre for European excellence in maintenance, repair and overhaul projects.

“Ryanair make a substantial contribution to Scotland’s economy through its engineering facilities and also through flights to and from Glasgow Prestwick, Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports. I wish Ryanair every success in the future with this significant new project.”

Chief executive of Scottish Enterprise Lena Wilson said:

“Ryanair’s continuing commitment to investing and growing its Scottish operations is great news for our economy and Scotland’s aerospace industry.

“Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International have supported Ryanair’s ambitions to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, creating new jobs and growth opportunities, while assisting our tourism industry.”