Tag Archives: Shannon airport

This month, 70 years ago the first transatlantic flight touched down at Rineanna Airport – now Shannon International Airport and to mark this milestone, The Clare Champion has published a special supplement. Among the contributors is Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who writes: IN 1945, Shannon Airport’s geographic position between Europe and America made it an ideal stepping stone between the old and new worlds. On October 24 this year, the airport celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first commercial transatlantic flight from the US to Shannon. I would like to acknowledge this major achievement and congratulate the airport on achieving yet another milestone in its illustrious history. American Overseas Airlines was the operator 70 years ago of that historic first flight and today, American Airlines, its successor, flies from Shannon to Philadelphia. Today, Shannon Airport is a vital access point in the transatlantic journey of many passengers, with its location on the Wild Atlantic Way making it even more attractive to …

Shannon Airport’s status as a key player in the Irish tourism industry was recognised again this week, as it was honoured for the third year running at the World Routes Marketing Awards, held in Durban, South Africa. Shannon was highly commended from a shortlist of five airports in the under four million passengers’ category. It was outright winner of this award last year, having been highly commended two years ago. The award was won outright this year by Halifax International Airport in Canada. The global awards, which are voted exclusively by airlines, recognise the marketing and promotional activities of airports and tourism destinations globally. It was a special night in Durban for the Irish, with Tourism Ireland claiming the top award for ‘Destination Marketing’. Declan Power, Shannon’s head of aviation development, said that being on this prestigious global awards podium for three years running is a huge achievement for the airport. “We are extremely proud of this award. It says …

Shannon Chamber is pulling out all the stops to ensure its members and their business colleagues face into the autumn with health and fitness firmly ensconced in their minds. As part of Chamber Week 2015, which takes place from September 14 – 18, the Chamber has invited fitness expert, radio and TV broadcaster, author and columnist, Karl Henry, to make a presentation at Shannon Airport on Thursday, September 17. The event, which is sponsored by Shannon Airport and GECAS, commences at 6pm in the Transit Lounge at the airport. Encouraging the business community to attend this event, Shannon Chamber’schief executive Helen Downes said, “A lot of people dread the onset of autumn and its association with long, dark nights, and a fear of becoming a couch potato through lack of exercise. Karl Henry is one Ireland’s most recognised and leading personal trainers.  We felt he would be the ideal person to speak to our members and a general business audience …

THE US Customs and Border Pre-clearance facility at Shannon has welcomed a new agriculture canine enforcement team. Kingston, a two-year-old beagle, arrived in Ireland last month and was reunited with his handler, CBP agriculture specialist Thanuja Hall. Shannon is now the only preclearance facility with an agriculture canine team. “Kingston and I are excited to be the first line in defending American agriculture from harmful pests and disease prior to them entering the US as the only agriculture canine team at a pre-clearance facility,” said Ms Hall. Port director Gregory Starr added, “We are very pleased to have CBP Agriculture Specialist Hall and her K-9 partner Kingston on board here in Shannon pre-clearance”

DESPITE sometimes frosty relations, Aer Lingus has long provided Shannon with links to some of the world’s most important airports, including JFK and Heathrow and the implications of its takeover by International Airlines Group (IAG), which was confirmed on Tuesday evening, are going to be watched closely. There are differing views; some worry that being part of the group will lead to the airline pulling back from Shannon services in the long term, while others feel it can provide new opportunities for the Clare airport. IAG issued a statement on Tuesday evening which said, “IAG has received confirmation of the valid acceptance of its offer for Aer Lingus in respect of all the Aer Lingus shares held by the Ryanair Group. Ryanair’s acceptance was a condition of the offer, which is now wholly unconditional as all the conditions have been satisfied.” IAG chief executive Willie Walsh added, “We’d like to welcome Aer Lingus into IAG. It will remain an iconic …

SHANNON’S first airshow in 25 years drew tens of thousands of spectators to the Clare airport this afternoon. Approaches to the airport were clogged for some hours in the late morning and early afternoon, and shortly before the airshow began organisers said they expected the crowd to be quite close to the 40,000 capacity. While weather conditions were blustery and overcast, fears that rain would mar the show proved unfounded. Four kilometres of fencing was installed to transform Shannon’s airfield into one of the biggest outdoor venues of the Irish summer and proceedings got underway at 1pm when members of the Irish Parachute Club dropped from the skies. Perhaps the most entertaining performance of the afternoon came from the Ravens, a UK-based formation acrobatic display team, whose various stunts left the large crowd awe-struck. Witnessing the phenomenal speed of the Saab Viggen was another one of the afternoon’s highlights, while the sound of its engines rang out for miles. Limerick man …

AS anti-war groups prepare to stage a protest at Saturday’s Shannon Air Display, the head of Clare’s garda division this week admitted that dealing with ongoing security matters at the airport is “an inordinate draw” on resources. Speaking at this week’s Joint Policing Committee, Chief Superintendent John Kerin said he would like more resources to be put in place for gardaí in Shannon, particularly in light of the ongoing work involved in dealing with protests and ensuring the security of Shannon Airport. “There is an inordinate draw on our resources that could be used more favourably on crime detection and prevention,” he said. However, the Chief Superintendent added utilising garda resources at the airport is “necessary” and that “they have an impact”. He told the meeting that gardaí are “constantly monitoring” the situation at Shannon Airport to assess any threats, adding that they work very closely with stakeholders to ensure security. Up to 40,000 spectators are expected in Shannon for …

The most spectacular air show ever staged in the Mid-West is set for lift-off with the line-up for the Shannon Air Display and associated field activities finalised ahead of the upcoming extravaganza. An estimated 40,000 people are expected to throng the Shannon airfield, which will be transformed into the viewing area for the stunning overhead displays, as 20 domestic and international acts, operating 33 separate aircraft, go through their lightning-fast paces. The action will be far from confined to the skies, with final arrangements also now being put in place for a vast array of on-the- ground activities. Over 20 separate children’s attractions – ranging from a carousel to a bungee run, obstacle courses and giant jenga – some 25 food operators, as well as music entertainment, ensure there will be plenty to enjoy during breaks in the air display. A static aircraft and tank display in the spectator zone is also set to be a major attraction. The main event happens in the …