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Willie Walsh, director general, IATA (3rd left) pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel with (from left): Mark Nolan, president, and Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; and Ray O’Driscoll, interim CEO, The Shannon Airport Group. Photograph by Eamon Ward

Ireland has the potential to play a leading role in helping the global aviation industry reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Speaking at a Shannon Chamber luncheon in Dromoland Castle Hotel, Mr Walsh described decarbonising aviation as the single biggest issue facing the sector and said that Ireland’s renewable-energy potential gives it a major advantage.

He noted that Ireland could generate significant renewable electricity beyond domestic grid needs, using the excess to produce synthetic fuels that would also serve road transport and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel.

“Synthetic fuel could become a new Irish industry, complementing offshore wind development,” he added.

Outlining the benefit for airlines in using synthetic fuel he said that it works in existing jet engines with little or no modification and is fully compatible with current fueling infrastructure and airports. Hydrogen-powered aircraft on the other hand remain a longer-term prospect requiring new aircraft designs and major infrastructure investment.

“The challenges and costs are significant, but the industry remains firmly committed to achieving its sustainability targets,” he said

Mr. Walsh also provided an overview of global aviation performance, noting a forecast $36 billion profit on $1 trillion in revenue for 2025, a margin of just 3.7% or €6.20 profit per passenger.

“Margins remain tight,” he observed, “with fuel and labour accounting for 55% of the industry’s cost base.”

On trade trends, he noted that U.S. tariffs have had a greater impact on cargo than passenger movements, with reductions in U.S. – Far East trade offset by increased Asia -Europe flows.

Turning to Ireland, Mr. Walsh emphasised the importance of lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to support balanced national growth.

“Dublin is an important hub, but Shannon has an excellent track record of increasing passenger numbers and will carve out its own future,” he said.

Shannon Chamber President Mark Nolan and Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, highlighted Shannon’s strong performance and ongoing investment.

Mr. Nolan noted that Shannon Airport welcomed over 755,000 passengers in June–August 2025, a 16% increase year-on-year.

“Connectivity through Shannon is vital to the sustainability of both our business and tourism sectors,” he said.

“That’s why we continue to lobby Government to review National Aviation Policy and include Shannon in an updated Regional Airport Programme (2026–2030) to support multiannual investment in safety, security, and sustainability.”

Mr. O’Driscoll outlined more than €150 million in airport investments, including runway and taxiway upgrades, expanded retail and duty-free areas, six new boarding bridges, upgraded security systems, and 1,000 additional parking spaces.

“We’ve also completed the first phase of construction on Ireland’s first on-airfield solar farm, supporting our sustainability objectives,” he said.

With aviation underpinning thousands of jobs in the Mid-West, Mr. Nolan emphasised the importance of continued government support for Shannon Airport.

“With international events like the Irish Open (2026), the Walker Cup (2027), and the Ryder Cup (2027) bringing global attention to the region, Shannon must be fully equipped to meet rising demand and capitalise on these opportunities.”

The luncheon, held at Dromoland Castle Hotel, was sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group and supported by Vortex Aviation, Magellan Aviation Group, Atlantic Aviation Group, SES, CAE, IAC, Eirtech, Dromoland Castle Hotel, AIB, and Local Enterprise Office Clare.

Students from St Patrick’s Comprehensive School and St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon, St Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla, and Coláiste Muire in Ennis, Co. Clare attended the lunch and posed some challenging questions to Willie Walsh on a variety of topics including innovation in a regulated industry, the impact of AI on the sector, and aviation as a career.

 

Willie Walsh, director general, IATA, Mark Nolan, president and Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber, pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel with students from St Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla, St. Caimin’s Community School Shannon (front left and right) and from Coláiste Muire, Ennis and St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School Shannon (back left and right). Photograph by Eamon Ward

Willie Walsh, director general, IATA pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel with (from left):Ray O’Driscoll, interim CEO, The Shannon Airport Group (luncheon anchor sponsor); Seamus Mungovan, Vortex and Niall Duggan, CAE, associate sponsors; Mark Nolan, president, and Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; Padraic McElwee, head of enterprise, LEO Clare; and Julie Dickerson, SES, associate sponsor. Photography by Eamon Ward.