EirTrade Aviation’s (EirTrade) airframe and engine disassembly facility at Ireland West Airport Knock has received “KPI-Diamond” certification from the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA), the aviation services company announced.
The accreditation recognises compliance with AFRA’s best management practices and a high level of asset data collection and monitoring.
“At the Diamond standard, data is gathered for each asset, so it doesn’t matter if it is one engine or twenty aircraft, the level of detail and monitoring is the same,” said Steven Trowell, EirTrade’s Senior Vice President for Maintenance and Disassembly.
EirTrade said its Knock facility is expanding as more aircraft and engines enter the site for redelivery after lease expiries and teardown. The company is also investing in recruitment and training as it builds its maintenance and disassembly workforce.
“As the only teardown operation in Ireland we have a huge responsibility to reassure our customers, in the airline, lessor and Used Serviceable Material (USM) community, that we meet the highest standards in Europe,” Trowell said.
The Knock operation combines aircraft disassembly with Part-145 line maintenance services. EirTrade said the facility also supports the recovery, reuse and recycling of aircraft components and materials as part of its focus on the circular economy.
Ireland West Airport Knock’s location on Ireland’s western seaboard could provide a gateway for aircraft movements between Europe and North America, while its location within the European Union offers a potential base for aircraft redeliveries.
The airport’s government-backed Strategic Development Zone provides for up to 44,000 m² of aviation-related development, including maintenance, repair and associated services. Its existing infrastructure includes a 2,511-metre runway and dedicated aviation development land.
Government-backed airport upgrades and a planned infrastructure programme of more than €35 million for 2026-2028 are expected to support the airport’s longer-term development, with Ireland seeking to strengthen its position as an international aircraft leasing hub.
