100 new engineering jobs at Exeter Airport

Exeter Aerospace filling gap left by Flybe

A high-tech Irish company is coming to Exeter to regenerate the aviation industry following the collapse of Flybe earlier this year.

Dublin Aerospace Group is creating Exeter Aerospace at the former Flybe Maintenance Services area at Exeter Airport.

Conor McCarthy, chairman and CEO of Dublin Aerospace Group said: “We are thrilled to have made Exeter the home of our first UK MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) centre. The availability of the hangars and workshops there, combined with a phenomenal pool of local aviation and engineering talent, makes this a hugely attractive location for us."

Dublin Aerospace's facility in Dublin specialises in Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and A330 families. Exeter Aerospace will complement this range by specialising in the Embraer 170/190 Regional Jets, Bombardier Dash 8/Q400, and ATR 72 Turboprop families in Exeter.

“Already, we have acquired all of the tooling and equipment we require for these aircraft types and have taken possession of the modern and purpose-built Exeter Hangars and Workshops. We are now in the process of applying for UK CAA and EASA (EU Aviation Safety Authority) approvals for Exeter Aerospace and have already commenced hiring our initial group of aerospace engineers and technicians,” said McCarthy.

In time Exeter Aerospace plans six aircraft overhaul bays as well as support shops and test facilities. The company is now recruiting to fill 100 roles and over the next three to four years wants to have over 250 aviation professionals working at Exeter Aerospace. It will work with Exeter College on apprenticeships too.