Shannon working on airline ‘freedom rights’

The chairwoman of the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) has revealed that Shannon is working with the Department of Transport on giving freedom rights to airlines from other countries to stop at Shannon before travelling on to the US.

Rose Hynes said that the ‘freedom rights’ initiative is one of a number being pursued by the airport to increase business.

Stating that discussions with some airlines are at an advanced stage in relation to starting new routes, Ms Hynes also confirmed that airport representatives are to meet with representatives from the Lynx firm this week on plans to establish an international cargo hub at Shannon.

In 2011, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) signed a heads of agreement with the US firm over its plans to construct the freight hub at Shannon.

Outlining the challenge at Shannon Airport, Ms Hynes warned: “Now Shannon airport figures are at an all-time low and it is trying to grow back up to those figures. Shannon’s current position is unsustainable. It must stop the decline because Shannon’s own position is under threat.”

Ms Hynes said that the first challenge for Shannon is to arrest the downward spiral in passenger numbers.

She said: “After that, we must stabilise the business and then grow it.”

Ms Hynes said that there is no intention to reduce the 230 jobs at Shannon, but warned that significant cost efficiencies will be required.

Ms Hynes said that the intention “is to grow the pie and increase passenger numbers”.

She said that capacity on US Shannon routes will increase by 23%-24% this year.

“The new dynamic in Shannon means that we require a strong, cohesive, committed and internationally experienced board,” she added.