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Ireland’s fastest growing airport Ireland West Airport Knock announced it handled 685,000 passengers in 2012 up 5% increasing by 30,000 passengers the busiest year in its 26 year history serving a total of 25 international destinations in 2012 seven new European markets, with international airlines Aer Lingus Regional , Flybe Lufthansa; Ryanair and Irish Tour Operator Sunway Holidays.
Highlights included the commencement of the only direct services from mainland Europe to the West of Ireland from Dusseldorf, Milan, Paris, Frankfurt, and Barcelona which brought over 13,000 new tourists to the West of Ireland generating an estimated spend in the local economy of in the region of €7 million.
Other highlights in 2012 include:
-The airports new ‘Departures Shop’ was the focus of an episode of the hit RTE show Feargal Quinns Retail Therapy which aired in December
-29 major audits in Safety, Security and regulatory departments in 2012 all passed and ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation achieved for the provision of a Quality management system in the air traffic control department
-Europe’s largest airline, Lufthansa, commenced new services from Germany – their only schedule services to any airport in Ireland outside of Dublin Airport
-Operational delays at the airport reduced to between 0 – 2% in 2012
A recent independent study by Ernst & Young Economic Consultants stated that the airport supports a total of 914 jobs in the region with an overall economic contribution of €143m annually.
Ireland West Airport Knock Managing Director Joe Gilmore said “We are delighted to have had a record year in 2012 against whats currently a very difficult environment in the aviation industry. Whilst 2012 was our busiest year ever, without doubt, 2013 will be a challenge for everyone in the region.
More than ever the airport needs the support of the people in this region and in particular engagement at a strategic level with Government representatives at all levels to ensure that future Government Aviation Policy enables this airport is to continue to grow and develop essential international connectivity that will lead to more jobs and prosperity for the people of the West and North West of Ireland “.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 7th January 2013 All Rights Reserved.
