In Ireland business aviation’s (BizAv) contribution to the economy is significant, with some 2,000 direct and indirect jobs related to the sector in 2017 and an output of €666 million.
BizAv represented 4.6% of all flight departures in Ireland in 2017, and the total number of BizAv departures grew 7.3% to 7,579 in 2017 compared to 2016.
Ireland South, MEP Deirdre Clune, Shannon Airport and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) recently held its ‘Meet Your MEP’ event at Shannon Airport in the company of key stakeholders from the region to discuss the impact of business aviation in Ireland.
Meet Your MEP is an opportunity for members of the European Parliament to meet with leading BizAv operators in their region in order to discuss the contributions of, and issues particular to, Europe’s €87 billion and almost 400,000-person strong BizAv industry.
The round table discussion focused on: Local & national (Ireland) issues; Implications of Brexit; Taxation issues; Safety.
“Cork Airport must focus on increasing connectivity”
Deirdre Clune, the only Ireland member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), said “Connectivity is the cornerstone for so many of Ireland´s businesses or for business based here and has never been more important than in the current political climate. Business Aviation connects regions, spurring investment and the growth of business, acting as an enabler for regional and national economic development, improving job prospects. We need to implement suitable policies that will help the industry safely grow to its full potential.”
“It is vital too that Cork Airport focuses on increasing and maintaining connectivity for travellers all year round,” she commented.
EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese said: “Ireland is the 17th biggest operator of business aviation in Europe and there is an overall tendency for growth in the country. When you look at the economic impact of BizAv, some 2,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created by the sector and it generates €666 million for the Irish economy annually. Clearly, BizAv is crucial to Ireland’s economy, its people and connecting the country with Europe and the rest of the world.”
