Aer Arann shafted, claims airline chief

A MEETING between Aer Arann and the management of Galway Airport broke up prematurely yesterday with the airline’s boss saying that they had been “shafted” by the airport management.

MD Padraic Ó Ceidigh called in May for the resignation of the airport management as he said he was having great difficulty working with them.

Yesterday, the relationship reached its lowest ebb when the airline said it is to suspend 15 flights a week from the airport - a move that has concerned tourism chiefs. A meeting between the two in Galway broke up yesterday when Aer Arann walked out after the chairman of Galway Airport failed to attend the showdown in a city hotel.

The 15 flights comprise three less Birmingham flights, four less to Edinburgh, three less to Dublin and the withdrawal of the second Luton service. Mr Ó Ceidigh said Aer Arann was constantly frustrated by the management of the airport.

“We have over €12 million invested in the Galway area for the past few years and we have 40% of our fleet in Galway.

Airport manager Jarlath Feeney said that he is aware that other airlines are willing to move in and take over the routes that are being scaled back by Aer Arann.

“Aer Arann have done well out of Galway airport and we are more than confident that those flights they are suspending can be provided by an alternative operator,” he said.