Ryanair has celebrated the opening of an engineering Training Academy at Prestwick Airport.

The airline said its £5 million investment in the facility will create 500 new highly skilled jobs locally, including licensed engineers, mechanics and support staff.  

This investment sees the addition of state-of-the-art classrooms and workshops and installation of a training aircraft on site, for the delivery of engineers and mechanics to support the maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet as it grows to 800 aircraft by 2034.

Ryanair said the investment underpins its commitment to the UK and Scotland as it further drives connectivity, inbound tourism & employment.

READ MORE: US aerospace firm supports employment initiative at Scottish college

Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair, said: “As the number 1 airline in Europe, we are delighted to announce an investment of £5 million in a Training Academy at Prestwick Airport creating 500 new engineer and mechanic positions at Prestwick.

"The upgrade includes new classrooms, workshops, and training facilities, including a training aircraft on site and we look forward to investing in Ayrshire with state-of-the-art training facilities to support our 6 bay Heavy Maintenance Facility.”

It comes weeks after a major US-based aerospace firm has announced a donation to Ayrshire College to support the offering of an evening class with additional tools and materials.

The donation will also help establish a training hangar and teaching centre at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, giving approximately 100 students hands-on experience in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.