International industry experts to attend aviation conferences

SHANNON Airport’s status on the global aviation map has been reaffirmed by the decision of the representative body for the industry worldwide to bring three conferences to the region later this year.

 

Up to 350 representatives of the world’s leading airlines are expected to attend the International Air Transport Association (IATA) cargo-related conferences over successive days at the Strand Hotel, Limerick from November 19 to 21.

IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 240 airlines in more than 115 countries. Carrying 84% of the world’s air traffic, IATA members include the world’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, including American Airlines, SWISS, Air India, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, South African Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, United Airlines and AVIANCA.

The conferences were secured for the region by Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy and Brian Stapleton, founder and chairman of the Irish Aviation Leadership Group (IALG), with the support of Shannon Airport. It is the first time in more than 30 years that the global representative body for airlines will have brought a conference to the region.

Shannon Airport chairman Rose Hynes said they are delighted that IATA is bringing the conferences to the region and acknowledged the roles of Senator Mulcahy and Mr Stapleton.

“Cargo has been identified as one of the potential growth areas for Shannon, so this will be an excellent opportunity to host and network with key players in the sector from across the globe. We will be working hard to make sure we capitalise on this specific opportunity but also to sell the wider Shannon story to delegates. Ultimately, we want them to return to their airlines with the message that this is an airport that is very much open for business,” she emphasised.

The conference themes are: cargo and mail supply chain security, cargo claims and loss prevention, as well as a lithium battery workshop.

Senator Mulcahy noted the important industry event attracts representatives from the entire supply chain and delegates from all around the world, including those representing airlines, airports, freight forwarders, shippers, customs officials, regulators and civil aviation authorities.

“The gathering of such key decision makers and industry experts provides a valuable opportunity for Shannon Airport to showcase its potential as an air cargo hub and further develop the level of cargo business currently being generated at the facility and surrounding area.

“Future developments regarding cargo business and facilities at the newly independent Shannon Airport and the renewed push to promote the Shannon Free Zone mean Shannon and the surrounding region are particularly well positioned to attract exporting companies in the future. These conferences will help advance this potential,” he stressed.

Mr Stapleton alluded to the economic benefits the conference will generate. “The 350 delegates attending these conferences in November will provide a great boost for the Mid-West Region economically and will showcase to the international cargo industry the expertise, capability and potential that Shannon Airport and the region provides.

“Given we are in the year of The Gathering, it will be great to see so many international airline cargo executives visiting Ireland. Many will bring their families and trace their Irish ancestors while they are in the Mid-West Region.

“I am sure IATA and its delegates will have a most memorable conference experience, thus enhancing the region’s business and tourism credentials,” he added.