Cork Airport is unlikely to meet its previously stated target of breaking even — on a cash basis — by the end of this year, but its owners remain "focused" on returning the airport to growth.

Pre-tax profits at Shannon-based duty free operator, Aer Rianta International almost halved last year to €18.9m.

Cork Airport made a loss of around €14m last year but its parent — the Dublin Airport Authority — has said it is committed to returning the airport to profit.

Data released this week by the Irish Aviation Authority underscores the challenges facing Irish airports and their role in our economic recovery.

Business and tourism leaders in the Mid-West have welcomed the plans to split Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority.

Thousands of jobs can be created for Shannon Airport and the wider mid-west if the Government moves to establish a debt-free, independent Shannon Airport.

THE chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority was recently appointed chief executive of London City Airport.

Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) subsidiary Aer Rianta International (ARI) has signed a retailing contract with Yunnan Airport Group in China.

SHANNON airport is operating with both hands behind its back and in the impossible situation of having to compete against its employer, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), and the newly opened T2.

THE Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) yesterday confirmed that Shannon Airport’s head of finance and corporate affairs, Mary Considine is to assume the role of airport director next month.

PASSENGER charges will increase next month at Dublin Airport as the country’s three biggest airports take a hit of €8 million from the volcanic ash crisis as 3,200 flights were cancelled.

A MAJOR cost-cutting programme will see job cuts and increased charges at the country’s three main airports this year.

FULL independence for Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports has been taxiing on the runway for so long many observers now fear the plan will never be given clearance for takeoff.

IRISH-RUN duty free stores in Russia have stocked more than 100,000 bottles of vodka for the legion of soccer fans travelling to the Champions League Final.

AER RIANTA has won one of its largest ever contracts which will see it develop operations at a new terminal at Moscow Airport. The deal will generate sales of more than €1 billion over seven years.

Aer Rianta International have been awarded a seven-year retail contract with JSC Terminal, the authority responsible for developing the new Terminal 3 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.

IRISH whiskey makers are trying to crack the world’s largest whiskey market in India with the help of the Irish Government.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has announced a 54% rise in profits in its financials results for 2004 today.

AER RIANTA will take a €7 million hit on the write-off of the aborted new passenger pier at Dublin Airport.

Irish airports operator Aer Rianta saw a 44% dip in after-tax profit to €20m in 2003, according to the company's annual report.

A cap on landing charges and difficulties in some of its markets reduced profits by 50% at Aer Rianta last year, according to an Irish Times report.

THE Limerick Chamber of Commerce yesterday called on Transport Minister Seamus Brennan to give fully independent boards to the State’s three airports.