If implented correctly could lead to reinstatement of routes

22/03/2010

Monday, 22nd March 2010

Shannon Airport Levy Proposals Could Result in Route Reinstatement

Chambers Ireland’s Air Transport Users Council (ATUC) has today (22/03/10) said that if implemented correctly, reported proposals to abolish landing charges for airlines at Shannon Airport and instead charge departing passengers directly for using the airport in order to replace the lost revenues, could result in the reinstatement of a number of routes lost in the past 18 months.

Tadhg Kearney, Council Spokesperson said, “The proposals being mooted, whereby passengers would no longer pay charges to the airline but rather to the airport directly could reap real benefits for Shannon Airport. Such models are already in place in other airports internationally, for example, Canadian airports charge all departing passengers a $15 airport development levy. However, the possible charge level of €15, as reported, could have the reverse effect and result in even more difficulties for the airport. A charging regime of €5-€10 should be more than sufficient to raise the required replacement revenues. If passengers, in the Shannon Airport catchment area, believed that this would bring additional airlines to Shannon and replace some of the routes lost to date, then I believe they would be willing to pay the new charge as long as it was both transparent and fair,” he said.

“These changes, if implemented correctly, would give Shannon Airport the potential to be the first ‘free airport’ in Ireland offering airlines free landing charges. This would also end all disputes between airlines and the airport about the level of airport landing charges, as there would be none. This would give Shannon a unique competitive position amongst not only Irish airports, but neighbouring airports vying for new airline investment,” Kearney concluded.

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For further information please contact Jessica Dempsey, Press & Communications Officer, Chambers Ireland on 01-4004303, 086-6081605 or email jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie.

Notes to Editor

About the Transport Users Council

Chambers Ireland’s transport policy is influenced by two policy councils which meet collectively as the Transport Users’ Council. The Transport Users’ Council deals with all forms of ground transport, while the Air Transport Users Council (ATUC) focuses on air transport.

Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s largest business network with 60 member chambers representing 13,000 businesses on the island of Ireland.

Jessica Dempsey
Press & Communications Officer
Chambers Ireland
17 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
T:  +353 1 4004303
M: +353 86 608 1605
F:  +353 1 6612811
E:  jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie
W: www.chambers.ie

Chambers Ireland is Ireland's largest business organisation with 60 member chambers representing over 13,000 businesses on the island of Ireland.

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