The membership has been announced of the government’s Taskforce for Aviation Recovery.
Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine is one of 15 members of the new unit which will be tasked with plotting a future path for the sector.
This could be crucial for Shannon Airport, and Clare’s economy.
Transport Minister Shane Ross says the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for the aviation industry, and that this is a severe problem for Irish business generally.
“If we can’t fly,” he says, then “economically, we die.”
The Minister has charged this new taskforce with considering measures to assist the industry, including the recommendation of new policies initiatives.
Direct State support would be a last resort, according to the Minister’s announcement this afternoon.
As expected, Shannon Group is represented in the form of CEO Mary Considine, while another member is AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly – that company has an office in Shannon.
Representatives of the DAA and Knock Airport, Tourism Ireland, other aircraft leasing firms, trade unions, and former Senator and Aer Arann founder Padraig O’Ceidigh are also members of the group.
It will be chaired by Chris Horn, a Venture Partner at equity firm Atlantic Bridge.
The group is expected to issue a report within four weeks.
Marése O’Sullivan, Clare FM, first for local news.
