Estonian aviation company Rapid MRO is set to begin maintaining cargo aircraft at Pärnu Airport, as reported by Aktuaalne kaamera. With limited hangar space across Estonia and Europe, the Pärnu facility offers a strategic solution for the company’s growing needs.
The first aircraft slated for maintenance is the Saab 340, a model that’s become rare in Europe, making skilled technicians increasingly hard to find. "This year, we have six aircraft lined up for ‘nose-to-tail’ maintenance, meaning they’ll be serviced one after the other," said Oliver Loorits, head of maintenance services at Rapid MRO. The first aircraft arrives next week, and the hangar will remain fully occupied until October. The team currently includes 10 employees, three of whom are local mechanics.
Looking ahead, Rapid MRO aims to expand its services to aircraft like the ATR 72, and the Pärnu facility is capable of handling larger models such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The company has signed a five-year lease for the site.
Pärnu Airport, currently supported by state subsidies due to declining flight connections, has also been considered for privatization. Other potential developments for the site include a proposed methanol plant.