Clare aviation companies vie for awards

TWENTY-two Clare based-companies including Eirtech Aviation, Shannon Aerospace, and Shannon Airport Authority, have been shortlisted for the inaugural Aviation Industry Awards, sponsored by the Irish Aviation Authority.

The in inaugural awards, which will be presented on  June 10 in Dublin, have been devised to recognise excellence in the Irish aviation sector which makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy, employing 26,000 people and contributing €4.1 billion to national GDP.

“There has been growing demand in recent years for recognition of excellence within the industry,” said Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority. “This is reflected in the huge level of interest in this first ever Aviation Industry Awards and the very high calibre of the 70 companies and 130 entries submitted. We’re absolutely delighted with the level of interest and it is really encouraging to see how many individuals and businesses are going the extra mile to make the industry safer and more efficient. Today’s shortlisted nominees are examples of exceptional people doing exceptional work every day to enhance the Irish aviation sector, which punches well above its weight on the global stage.”

There are 18  categories in total for the awards, including best in the fields of airports, air operators, leasing and legal achievements, education and training, innovation, environment and safety.

Sponsored by the IAA, the awards ceremony will be attended by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, TD and key figures in the Irish aviation industry.

Shortlisted nominees include familiar Clare companies and individuals such as Shannon Airport Authority (various categories), Eirteech Aviation (various categories), Shannon Aerospace (various categories), and Aero Inspection International (MRO of the Year).

“A lot of businesses and individuals are working hard to ensure Ireland remains an aviation leader on the world stage and winning one of these prestigious Aviation Industry Awards will help to create a competitive advantage in a competitive marketplace,” said Eamonn Brennan.

“The sector is set to continue to grow and this is something we are immensely proud of. Our ATM System is the most advanced in Europe, the Irish aircraft register has increased by 88% since 2001 and domestic traffic was up 3% last year. Safety is the bedrock of our industry and our general safety oversight ranking is amongst the best in the world..”

The Aviation Industry Awards are devised and organised by Event Strategies Limited and entries will be judged by an independent judging panel committee. For further information on the awards see www.aviationawards.ie