Deal with Turkey will boost Shannon Airport – Breen

Fine Gael TD for Clare and Chairman of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, Pat Breen, said today (Monday) that a new bilateral agreement between Ireland and Turkey giving fifth freedom rights for Air Cargo Services, will pave the way for airlines like Turkish Airlines to have pick up rights for Cargo at Shannon. This represents a significant boost, both for Shannon Airport and the wider region.

“This is new era for bilateral relations between Turkish Airlines and Shannon Airport. Turkish Airlines who already operate services into and out of Dublin have recognised the potential for development at Shannon Airport. The airline has also been using Shannon Airport as a refuelling stop which has been going very well.

“I have been heavily involved with discussions with Turkish Airlines and has been working closely with the Shannon Airport Authorities and the Turkish Airlines. I met Dr Temil Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines in Ankara in order to explore the opportunities for services into Shannon. My understanding from those discussions is that they are interested in growing business at Shannon.

“For the cluster of pharma, medtech and IT companies in the Shannon Region, the development of services in both directions would greatly enhance exporting opportunities for these companies. The use of air travel over road transport is a much more efficient way of doing business for these companies.

“Also, West Bound, the United States is Ireland’s top air cargo market and there is strong demand for direct freighter services in the region. National Aviation Policy which is due to be finalised shortly designates Shannon Airport as a centre for the development of air cargo. The Airport is ideally positioned to become a centre for air cargo as it is uncongested, has a long runway, and has a cluster of pharma, medtech and ICT manufacturing companies located in the region.

“This Government is committed to supporting the ongoing development of Shannon Airport. The signing of this bilateral agreement which confers fifth freedom rights between Turkey and Ireland significantly enhances Shannon Airports development as a hub for air freight services and I look forward to the strengthening of the Airports links with Turkish Airlines which will not only be beneficial for the Airport but for the entire region.”