Airport has bright future, says expert

A TOP aviation expert yesterday predicted a bright future for Shannon Airport following the break-up of Aer Rianta.

Dr John Kasarda, a leading US expert on aviation infrastructure and regional economic development, was invited by Shannon Development for a series of interactive sessions with individuals and organisations interested in the economic development of the airport.

"I think Shannon Airport will do very well with the setting up of its own independent company to run the airport. The Government decision to give Shannon more local control will help improve competitiveness in the Shannon area as well as in the overall Irish aviation system," he said.

Asked about the future of Shannon under an Open Skies aviation policy. Dr Kasarda said it will likely have a "short-term negative effect" on Shannon.

Mechanisms will have to be put in place to phase in an Open Skies policy to give Shannon an opportunity to adapt and attract different services like low-cost carriers.

"I firmly believe that if Shannon adapts appropriately its strong air cargo business and utilises its full capabilities to serve business in industry along the western seaboard, passenger services will not decline as much as many fear.

"The short-term loss from Open Skies can be recovered in a number of years and in the end, Shannon may be stronger by building up its air cargo business, as the potential is there to develop Shannon as a major air cargo hub for industry.

"Shannon has already a considerable advantage over Dublin, providing a better air cargo service and the many types of industries in the mid-west and west will support further air cargo initiatives," he said.

Dr Kasarda, Professor of Management at the University of North Carolina, said he was optimistic about Shannon's future in the development of the hi-tech industrial base and competing for more services.