One of the most influential figures in world aviation, Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG) will visit Shannon next Friday to give the keynote address at Shannon Chamber’s President’s lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel.
The event is being supported by GECAS in recognition of its 50th year legacy in aviation finance.
Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes said they were delighted, after much perseverance, to have secured the head of one of the leading airlines in the world, parent company of Aer Lingus and British Airways, plus Iberia and Vueling, to address their annual luncheon.
“It is most appropriate, given the concentration of aviation companies in Shannon, and the fact that AG’s strategies and ambitions are particularly relevant to Shannon, that he has chosen to visit us at this time.
“This is an event which has been most welcomed by our members and we are looking forward to hearing Mr Walsh’s views on future developments and trends in international aviation which will have a significant bearing on the prosperity of Shannon Airport, the surrounding region and whole West of Ireland in the years ahead,” Ms Downes said.
The luncheon address by Mr Walsh will offer a rare opportunity to Chamber members and other regional interests to hear, at first hand, the views of a global aviation player on the future direction of the industry and the implications for the airport and wider region
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.