Description and Explanation This is a voluntary ex ante transparency (VEAT) notice published by SOLAS in accordance with Article 32 of Directive 2014/24/EU. SOLAS intends to award a contract, without prior publication of a call for competition, to Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) for the provision of Aircraft Mechanics apprenticeship training aligned to EASA Categories B1 and B2. This requirement arises from a significant increase in apprenticeship training demand in 2025 supported by industry and Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science objectives. Aircraft maintenance apprenticeship training is highly specialised and subject to strict regulatory approval requirements under European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) frameworks and regulated in Ireland by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The apprenticeship training requires specific regulatory approvals for both facilities and staff with the relevant technical expertise to meet the required standards. AAG have already supported the initial expansion of provision in 2025 while existing state provision for this training continues to be fully utilised and cannot accommodate the increased number of apprentices progressing through the system. This necessitates the need for the supplemental capacity and SOLAS intends to award contract for the apprenticeship training to AAG for provision to be provided from May 2027. The contract concerns the delivery of additional capacity of the craft of Aircraft Mechanics apprenticeship training which is aligned to EASA Category B licensing requirements. In this context, Atlantic Aviation Group is the only economic operator currently in a position to deliver the required additional training capacity within the necessary timeframe and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The proposed contract is limited in duration to a three-year period and is intended as a proportionate, interim measure to address a defined capacity requirement within the national apprenticeship system. On this basis, SOLAS considers that the conditions set out under Article 32(2)(b) are satisfied and that the proposed direct award is lawful. If legal advise were to change the SOLAS position, a competition may be conducted at a later date.