Shannon Chamber statement re Aer Lingus announced closure of cabin crew base at Shannon

Reacting to the announcement by Aer Lingus that it is to permanently close its cabin crew base at Shannon, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes: “This is very disappointing news for the Aer Lingus staff and their families and indeed for the airport, particularly against the background that, in February 2020, Aer Lingus had plans to grow its Shannon base, adding new aircraft on its transatlantic routes, and new services to Barcelona and Charles de Gaulle.

“Pre COVID-19, Shannon Airport was on a growth trajectory. Today’s news is clear evidence that the pandemic is severely impacting every airline and airport.

“Recommendations to redress this impact have been presented to Government by both the Aviation and Tourism Task Forces, by the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF) and more recently, by Shannon Chamber in conjunction with the Irish Hotels Federation with the support of Limerick, Ennis and Galway Chambers. The urgent implementation of these recommendations by Government and a timeline for their roll-out is now critical.

“Air connectivity is a critical enabler of economic growth, most particularly for an island nation where so many jobs are dependent on the aviation and tourism and hospitality sectors. Government intervention is urgently needed, most particularly a roadmap to protect route connectivity to Shannon, including Aer Lingus slots, and Ireland’s regional airports.”