Latest news with #ShannonAirportGroup
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Shannon Airport CEO optimistic for summer season despite geopolitical tensions
After a landmark year in 2024, Shannon Airport is building on its momentum with new routes, increased investment, and a growing passenger base taking it from strength to strength. Welcoming 2.1m passengers last year, its highest number since 2009, the Shannon Airport Group posted an 8% rise in annual turnover in 2024 — rising to more than €73m, with its pre-tax profit for the year totalling almost €26m. Its success has caught the attention of several major airlines, with the airport now offering its largest transatlantic schedule with five daily nonstop flights to the US, landing in New York, Newark, Boston and Chicago. Its latest vote of confidence came earlier this week from budget airline Ryanair, which announced three new routes alongside a $100m investment in the airport as it continues to expand its presence across regional hubs. The investment includes the addition of a new aircraft to be stationed at Shannon, bringing its total number to four for its 2025 winter schedule. It now hosts one more Ryanair aircraft than Cork, despite the second largest airport having 1m more passengers last year. 'We see a huge potential for growth and believe there is a real opportunity for us,' said Mary Considine, the chief executive officer of the Shannon Airport Group. Shannon Airport CEO Mary Considine says Ireland's aviation policy should be changed because Dublin has an 85-86% market share. Picture: Arthur Ellis Appointed in October 2019, Ms Considine told the Irish Examiner: 'The more aircraft we have here, the more frequency and services Ryanair can offer. 'In addition to increased frequencies for our six most popular routes, they have also been able to announce three new routes for the winter: Madrid, Madeira and Lapland.' Yet despite its enhanced connectivity across Europe, Shannon's transatlantic flights remain some of its busiest and are a vital component of its overall operations. However, as political tensions rise across the US, the number of people travelling across the Atlantic from Ireland has fallen drastically. Recent figures from the US International Trade Administration (ITA) found that passenger travel from Ireland fell by 27% in March when compared to the same month in 2024, with Ireland representing one of the highest decreases across all European countries. When geopolitical events are happening with heightened uncertainty, sometimes people hesitate in making decisions Yet, despite this downward demand pressure on US travel, Ms Considine remains optimistic. 'Talking with our airline partners, they're very confident about the summer season. There are very strong forward bookings, which go back to the strong market for the US from here," she said. 'We have very strong foreign direct investment in the catchment area of Shannon Airport. Almost 50% of the [foreign direct investment] in the country comes from within our immediate catchment area. "We're also the international gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, and we are seeing strong tourism growth.' Noting recent figures from the Central Statistics Office, which found tourism numbers had fallen by 4% in April, Ms Considine says that has not been reflected in the airport's performance. 'We've seen good growth here. We saw 7% growth last year, and we expect to be up by between 7-8% again this year. Preclearance facility The CEO also notes Shannon's US preclearance facility — one of only two across Europe, the other being in Dublin — which she says brings greater comfort to Irish people, especially young adults and those travelling on J1 visas, and even provides an opportunity for the airport to grow. 'Take Charles De Gaulle [Airport], for example,' Ms Considine said. 'They bring quite an amount of transfer passengers here, because people prefer to pre-clear here then be refused once they get to the US. We see that kind of demand growing at Shannon, which provides an opportunity for us here But Shannon Airport's long-standing history with the US is reflected across its operations and not just in its commercial flight offerings. Recent months have seen a renewed focus on the regional airport over reports that Israeli aircraft have flown weaponry from the US to Ireland through Irish airspace. Last week, RTÉ reported that between 2022 and 2024, a total of 978 US military flights landed at Irish airports, mostly in Shannon, for refuelling and maintenance purposes. During the same period, more than 1,000 applications were made by US civil aircraft with munitions of war on board to land at Shannon. Reports of these flights have drawn large crowds to the airport in protest of its accommodation of US military aircraft, particularly those bound for Israel. Addressing these demonstrations, Ms Considine said that while the airport accepts and recognises the right to protest in a peaceful manner, Shannon Airport operates solely based on government policy. At the end of the day, we work under the direction of the Irish Government. We are State-owned and our focus is on providing a safe, secure and operational airport "Anything that interferes with the safety and security of the airport is obviously something to be concerned about," she said. 'Concerning recent incidents, we're working very closely with gardaí to ensure there is no impact on the operation of our aerodrome facility. Addressing the reports of military aircraft coming through the airport, Ms Considine added: 'It's government policy. Everything is done in line with existing policy, and everything that requires clearance from the Government receives that clearance. 'It is government policy, and we implement government policy.' Shannon has five daily transatlantic flights, its pre-clearance facility reassuring passengers of guaranteed entry to the US. Picture: Denis Scannell Looking forward, Ms Considine says recent investments from Ryanair and US airline partners fall concisely in line with its own future strategy, which prioritises passenger growth, infrastructure improvements, and the airport group's commercial property portfolio, which the CEO says has experienced strong growth in recent months, particularly across the manufacturing sector. In addition, Shannon is also seeking to re-balance what Ms Considine has called a lopsided market share among Ireland's airports. 'If you look at Dublin, it has an 85-86% market share. We need to look at where people want to go and then meet those needs. That is why growing the range of services from Shannon Airport is so important, so we can offer that choice and then grow our market share. 'This is why we have been calling on the Government to revise its aviation policy. One avenue open to them is to amend the threshold under the regional airports programme so that airports up to 3m passengers can apply for grant funding. 'I also think it would be good for the country if we had better distribution of air traffic to free up capacity in Dublin, allowing them to go after those long-haul markets, while allowing us all to be complimentary of one another. 'It's not about not allowing Dublin to grow, it's about growing all airports and using the airport system more holistically.' Read More Ryanair to base fourth aircraft at Shannon adding routes to Madrid and Lapland
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Shannon Airport welcomes Ryanair's 4th based aircraft
Ryanair adds fourth aircraft at Shannon for Winter 2025/26, launching three new routes and boosting traffic by 20%, supporting 1,500+ local jobs. The Shannon Airport Group has welcomed Ryanair's announcement of the addition of a fourth based aircraft, three exciting new routes to Lapland, Madeira and Madrid, in addition to extra flights on six existing popular routes – Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław at Shannon Airport for Winter '25/'26. The announcement delivers 20% traffic growth, over 1.6m Ryanair passengers p.a. and offers customers in the Mid-West even more choice at Europe's lowest fares whilst also supporting over 1,500 local jobs. Welcoming the announcement, Mary Considine, CEO, The Shannon Airport Group said: 'We're delighted to welcome Ryanair's further expansion at Shannon Airport with the addition of a fourth based aircraft seeing three exciting new Winter '25 services from Shannon Airport to Madrid, Rovaniemi (Lapland), and Madeira, and increased frequencies on six existing routes. This expansion offers even greater choice for our passengers and strengthens Shannon's position as a key gateway to and from the West of Ireland. Ryanair's investment is a powerful endorsement of the potential of Shannon, a vote of confidence in the market here, and a testament to the progress we've made growing passenger numbers. We're very ambitious for the airport and the Group. We see a huge potential for growth and believe there is a real opportunity for Shannon Airport to lead the way in rebalancing the national landscape. A new aviation policy that recognises and supports the strategic importance of Shannon Airport to the country's economy is now required.' Ryanair's CCO, Jason McGuinness said: 'We are delighted to celebrate another milestone for our Shannon base this Winter as the Airport welcomes a 4th Ryanair based aircraft. This new 'Gamechanger' aircraft will deliver 100,000 (+20%) additional passengers and 3 new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid. In addition to these exciting new routes, Ryanair will also add extra flights on 6 popular Shannon routes – Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław. Ryanair's US$400m investment in the mid-west underpins our commitment to growing Ireland's regional airports evidenced by the 20 routes and more than 1.6m passengers we will deliver to Shannon Airport this year – driving inbound tourism to the region and supporting year-round international connectivity. Ryanair wants to continue to prioritise Shannon, Knock and Kerry for growth, however, the Irish Govt. needs to support these regional airports by expanding the scope of the Regional Airports Programme 2026-30 to at least 3m passenger p.a., which would allow regional airports to grow traffic without being penalised for doing so.' To celebrate Ryanair's fourth aircraft and 3 new routes at Shannon this Winter, the airline has launched a 2-day seat sale available only at Ryanair, Europe and Ireland's No.1 airline, Shannon Winter 25/26 schedule will deliver: 1 new 'Gamechanger' aircraft (4 aircraft in total) US$400m investment in Shannon 100,000 additional passengers (+20%) 20 routes, incl. new Lapland, Madeira & Madrid Increased freq. on 6 routes – Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester & Wrocław Over 1,500 local jobs, incl. 350 highly paid pilot, cabin crew and engineer jobs Shannon traffic grows to over 1.6m passengers p.a.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Ryanair announces three new routes from Shannon Airport plus additional $100m investment in aircraft
Holidaymakers from the Midwest can now add Madrid, Madeira, and Lapland to their destination lists, with today's announcement expecting to see a 100,000 rise in passengers for the Clare hub. Ryanair's announcement also sees increased frequencies in flights from Shannon to Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław. The Winter 2025/2026 is expected to support over 1,500 local jobs, including 350 highly paid pilot, cabin crew and engineer jobs. Additionally, over 1.6 million Ryanair's passengers are expected per annum through Shannon Airport as a result of today's announcement, marking a 20% growth for the Airport. Speaking at the announcement on Wednesday morning in Shannon Airport, Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, said: 'Very exciting news this morning – we have announced that a fourth aircraft will be based here in Shannon from this winter. 'We will be growing our Shannon capacity by 20%, adding three new routes to Madrid, Madeira and Lapland – I think Lapland is going to be very popular with the children of the Midwest. 'We're also increasing frequencies on six other popular routes here from Shannon.' 'Just to put it in perspective, the Ryanair network in its totality is growing by 3% this year, so Shannon is doing exceptionally well growing at 20%. So very good news for Shannon, very good news for the Midwest. 'Today is a continuation of Ryanair's commitment to growth in regional Ireland. We've doubled the amount of seats we're offering in regional Ireland, pre and post Covid.' Mary Considine, CEO of the Shannon Airport Group said the Group is delighted with today's announcement. 'We're delighted to have Ryanair here today to announce their winter schedule,' she said. 'Ryanair have announced this morning a new route to Madrid, which is a really important hub airport, as well Madeira going through the winter and Lapland. 'It's great to have that service for families, particularly coming into the Christmas period. 'So, we're delighted with those announcements, but moreover, I think it's in line with our own strategy to grow throughput through Shannon and to really maximise the use of this vital piece of strategic infrastructure for the state.' While the announcement of flights to Lapland may seem random to some, Ms Considine said it is a 'really important market' for the winter season. 'It's an opportunity for families that want to go to Lapland and visit Santa, but it's also a really popular tourist destination for things like skiing as well,' she said. 'And you would hope that people come into Ireland from Finland as well, so it goes both ways. 'I think it's very exciting, it's a new destination, and I think it'll be very popular.' To celebrate Ryanair's fourth aircraft and three new routes at Shannon this Winter, the airline has launched a two=day seat sale with fares from €29.99 available through their website.
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Possible bus and rail infrastructure for Shannon Airport raised with Government
The Government has been asked to consider a 'high speed bus network' for the Shannon catchment area as part of a strategy to wrest aircraft traffic from Dublin Airport . In a letter outlining the need for a fundamental rethink of aviation policy across the island, Shannon Airport Group chief executive Mary Considine also argued the west of Ireland terminal would probably see a rail link before the capital. In a 'Seven Supporting Arguments' document presented by Ms Considine at the outset of the new Dáil, she said that the impasse around Dublin's 32 million annual passenger cap had become a distraction from a broader debate on regional expansion and sustainability. 'One assumption that should be challenged is that Ireland has an aviation and airports policy that is fit-for-purpose. We do not,' she wrote in a letter seeking a significant reassessment as part of the programme for government. READ MORE [ Transport Minister hopes legislation can resolve Dublin passenger cap Opens in new window ] [ TD calls for changes to boost regional services Opens in new window ] 'Whatever the future holds, a planning decision on the Dublin [Airport passenger] cap is at least two years away. There is a better chance there will be a rail connection to Shannon before one arrives at Dublin Airport.' Minister of Transport Darragh O'Brien has been holding a series of stakeholder meetings in recent weeks as the Government prepares to renew its ten year National Aviation Policy , with a draft anticipated in early 2026. This has opened the door for critics of the Dublin Airport cap of 32 million passengers a year and, simultaneously, those who would have it upheld , to argue their position. DAA, which runs Dublin and Cork airports, has been fighting to have the curtailment extended by way of a slow-moving planning process. 'I've entrepreneurial spirit in my veins' – Apprentice star Jordan Dargan Listen | 44:45 A separate regional airports programme running from 2026 to 2030 is also under development and is expected later this year. A Department of Transport spokesman said that following the latter's completion and to 'support growth in connectivity and strategic route development to and from the regions, the department will be engaging with the market to consider the potential for the development of an exchequer-funded start-up aid scheme to support new routes'. How this would work in practice is not yet known, but it would likely be a welcome signal of intent from a Government that has also committed to ending the Dublin cap. In her submission to the new Government last January, a copy of which was obtained under Freedom of Information, Ms Considine argued for sustainable growth across all State airports and an approach that 'fully utilises capacity in the regions' and to reduce 'overreliance' on Dublin which accommodates about 86 per cent of traffic. 'Public policy needs to align with where passengers want to go, what economic development, including regional development, requires in future, how decarbonisation is best achieved, and where there is substantial additional capacity now,' Ms Considine wrote. She said an immediately available additional capacity for five million annual passengers between the south (Cork) and west (Shannon) was being 'ignored' even though 40 per cent of passengers wish to travel to the regions. Given an exponential growth in air traffic, she argued, leaning on one airport 'creates a single point of risk that is reckless'. She also raised the threat to national security of cyberattacks and sabotage. 'Prudence and safety require that we avoid almost complete reliance on one State airport for connectivity, with the consequent logistical and reputational issues that would arise were our air traffic to be virtually grounded.' The document suggested the Government consider the London model where Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports alleviate pressure on Heathrow. Flying from Shannon instead of Dublin, it said, results in a 4.6kg reduction on road based CO₂ emissions per passenger.
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Cattle now grazing on airport-owned land
Agriculture Correspondent Aengus Cox reports on the announcement of the completion of the initial phase of Shannon Airport Group's Farmland Biodiversity Enhancement Project.
