Dublin aerospace sector employs over 3,000 in aircraft leasing and finance

Dublin’s aerospace sector employs over 3,000 people in aircraft leasing and finance.
The sector contributes approximately €1bn annually to the Irish economy.
Ireland is the global centre of excellence for aircraft leasing.
The Ireland for Finance Strategy includes 31 actions to boost competitiveness.
target of 70,000 jobs in Ireland’s international financial services sector is set for 2030.

Dublin’s aerospace sector employs over 3,000 people in aircraft leasing and finance, contributing approximately €1bn annually to the Irish economy. The sector has developed Ireland’s position as the global centre of excellence for aircraft leasing through a combination of specialist expertise, innovation, a highly skilled workforce and a supportive policy environment. The Government’s updated Ireland for Finance Strategy 2026-2030 reinforces the commitment to maintaining this leadership position.

The aircraft leasing industry in Dublin has grown substantially over the past three decades, with major lessors including AerCap, SMBC Aviation Capital, and Avolon headquartered in the city. The sector supports high-value jobs in finance, legal, technical, and asset management functions, with many roles requiring specialist knowledge of aviation and financial services. The industry’s contribution to the Irish economy extends beyond direct employment, with significant multiplier effects on legal, accounting, and consulting services.

Ireland faces growing competition from other jurisdictions seeking to replicate its success in aircraft leasing, including Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong. The Ireland for Finance Strategy includes 31 key actions aimed at boosting competitiveness, supporting innovation, strengthening skills development and accelerating digital transformation across the sector. The strategy’s headline objective of growing employment in Ireland’s international financial services sector to 70,000 people by 2030, with 25% of those jobs located outside Dublin, will have implications for the aircraft leasing workforce. The sector continues to navigate global supply-chain challenges, evolving sustainability requirements and increasing geopolitical uncertainty while managing assets worth hundreds of billions of euro.

Aircraft Leasing Ireland shared: The sector supports more than 3,000 high-value jobs and contributes approximately €1bn annually to the Irish economy.

Department of Finance shared in a written statement: Ireland faces growing competition from other jurisdictions and must maintain a stable policy framework.

ALI shared in a written statement: The strategy’s focus on skills and innovation comes at an important time as the sector navigates global supply-chain challenges.