Published: Tue, 30 July 2013
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Cork Airport needs 24-Hour Operational Capability to expand Southern Gateway to Ireland.
Sean Kelly MEP is calling on the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) not to hinder Cork Airport’s capability to expand by ending 24-7-round the clock landing services for airlines and air-freight.
The Ireland South MEP said: “Cork Airport’s ability to develop new revenue streams, through night time charter flights and freight traffic, will be severely restricted, if the IAA abolishes 24-hour air traffic control services at the airport. The international status of the airport will also be damaged by limited opening hours, and may ultimately lead to a downward spiral in passenger numbers. Any proposed limitation of services at Cork airport sends a negative message to the multinational sector in Cork and across Munster, which includes Apple and EMC, especially at a time when Cork Chamber of Commerce members are calling for a Cork- East coast USA transatlantic air-bridge. I therefore call on the IAA to take a long term strategic view, to support air traffic growth at Cork airport, similar to the recent re-introduction of a US-West Coast services by Aer Lingus.”
The DAA also need to increase new routes and services at Cork airport to develop the Southern gateway to Ireland, starting by accelerating their search to find a carrier to operate a Cork/East Coast US route, possibly using the flexible Boeing 757 aircraft.”
“Cork is a major European base for many US pharmaceutical and fast growth technology companies, such as, McAfee, Amazon, Trendmicro, Pfizer, as well as Pepsi in Carrigaline, all of whom require regular, convenient air connectivity services to the US and Europe for their senior staff, so Cork airport has a bright future, if supported by IAA. I also note a recent survey by Cork Chamber, which found that more than half of all indirect travel completed by businesses from Cork Airport is to the United States, with 57 per cent to New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles.”
Cork Airport services a population of over 480,000 in Cork city and county, and carried 2.3m passengers in 2012.
