Waterford Airport seeks new boss as CEO takes up government role

Waterford Airport is to begin the hunt for a new chief executive following the news that incumbent Graham Doyle is leaving to take up a government role.

Mr Doyle has been CEO at the regional airport for the last six and a half years but will soon be enteringa new role as assistantsecretary at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Chairman of Waterford Airport, Dan Browne, said yesterday that the board will soon begin a recruitment process with a view to appointing a new CEO.

One of the challenges facing the incoming boss will be to find a replacement for the Waterford-London routes which ended at the beginning of the year when Aer Arann/ Aer Lingus Regional pulled out of its Southend and Luton services from the regional airport.

Flybe recently returned to the Waterford-Manchester route and also flies to Birmingham.

It is understood that Mr Doyle was actively seeking a carrier to restore the London route which is seen as key to the airport’s success.

“The economic environment over the last five years in particular has obviously been a challenge for the airport and Graham has led the business steadily through that,” said Mr Browne.

“We wish him well in his new role where he will have the opportunity to apply his skill set and experience in a wider national transport context.”

The management team will work closely with the directors “to ensure business continuity”, pending the appointment of a new CEO, Mr Browne said.

Mr Doyle paid tribute to the dedicated and professional team of staff at Waterford Airport.

“One of the really positive aspects of the job has been the great support that there is for the airport from stakeholders right across the southeast region, all of whom recognise it’s an important social and economic asset.”

Waterford Airport receives about €1m in government funding each year but faces an uncertain future without a London route.