Shannon flies into new era after gaining independence

Shannon Airport yesterday celebrated the beginning of a new era as it officially became an independent entity.

Separation officially took place at 11.59pm on Dec 31 from Dublin Airport Authority, with the first passengers to transit through the newly autonomous airport arriving on board the Aer Lingus EI-110 flight from New York JFK at 5.08am yesterday.

The airport begins operations on a solid footing with a debt-free balance sheet after its €110m debt was left with DAA.

Shannon plans to develop routes and grow passenger numbers. The airport will also work to develop an international aviation services centre at Shannon, which is targeting the creation of a significant number of primarily aviation-related jobs within a three to five-year period, building on the existing cluster of 40 aviation related companies in Shannon.

The second phase of the process for Shannon will see the airport merging with activities of a restructured Shannon Development by Jul 1, including its considerable land bank and associated rent-roll. The 2011 accounts for Shannon Development show its rental income totalled €12m.

Newly appointed Shannon Airport Authority chairman, Rose Hynes said “independence day” for Shannon was a historic one.

“We finally have our long-awa-ited freedom to determine our own future. Independence is the single most important enabler of future success for Shannon. This is an opportunity for the airport to commence a new chapter in its proud history.”

Airport director Mary Considine said: “We are setting out today to create a vibrant and sustainable future for this airport, its staff, customers and the wider region.

“Our attention will immediately focus on growing passenger numbers at Shannon. We have an excellent start thanks to significant announcements on transatlantic and European services over the past two months which will already result in an appreciable upswing in passenger numbers next year.”

Addressing Clare County Council last month, Ms Hynes warned “there is no silver bullet for Shannon, we need to develop a wide range of opportunities here.”

She added that Shannon faced a significant threat to its viability over the current ownership arrangements, and that the status quo could not remain.