The incoming Chairperson of Shannon Group says restoring Aer Lingus’ cabin crew base at Shannon Airport is not yet a ‘lost cause’.
Pádraig Ó Céidigh is set to formally begin his three year term once officially ratified by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.
The appointment of the founder of Aer Arann Express and Aer Lingus Regional as Chair of the Group has been broadly welcomed by stakeholders across the Midwest.
Oireachtas members, Ennis and Shannon Chamber and Shannon Group themselves are among those to have already thrown their support firmly behind the former Independent Senator.
Mr Ó Céidigh insists his number one priority is to restore air traffic at Shannon Airport to 2019 levels.
It’s been a positive few months for Shannon, with new summer Ryanair routes having begun operation, along with both United and American Airlines confirming they’re currently scheduled to resume transatlantic services in the Midwest from next Spring.
Aer Lingus has yet to provide the same commitment, though is currently operating a temporary Heathrow route while runway works continue in Cork.
Pádraig Ó Céidigh says engagement with that airline will continue – including on the restoration of its cabin crew base.
Mr Ó Céidigh will be in place in the non-executive role until 2024 – and it’s a timeframe he says he’s not thinking beyond just yet.
A business case on the aviation industry prepared by Shannon Chamber earlier this year suggested the airport may need financial supports from the State as far out as 2029 to enable pandemic recovery.
While this would be well beyond his term as Chair, Pádraig Ó Céidigh says the Group as a whole will need to reassess its position in three years’ time.
