Flightfest is a unique opportunity to showcase industry worth 1,000 local jobs

“Half of the world’s aviation fleet is now managed from Ireland, with 1,000 people directly employed in the aviation leasing industry in Ireland. As a fitting acknowledgement of this this fact, the Irish Aviation Authority, The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Dublin’s Lord Mayor have announced a unique aviation event for The Gathering 2013,” according to Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal.

“An event of this nature is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the broad range of aircraft in Ireland, and a chance to get a glimpse of some historical aircrafts such as the World War II Flying Fortress and the famous Spitfire in what will no doubt be a spectacular flypast in Dublin City.

“I wish to echo the sentiments of IAA Chairman Anne Nolan who said that in the year of the Gathering this is a great opportunity to promote the aviation industry and its contribution to the Irish economy, which is estimated at €4.6 billion to our GDP, excluding tourism benefits.   Nationally it supports 16,000 jobs directly and 54,000 jobs indirectly.

“10,000 of these jobs are based in Fingal at Dublin Airport.   Considering that for every 1 job created at Dublin Airport, 4 indirect jobs are created locally, an event such as this that will promote the industry on the world stage is invaluable to Dublin Fingal. It is supported by the aviation financing and leasing community, as well as the major air operators.

“Flightfest will be a free family event taking place on Sunday 15^th September.   Aircrafts will take off from Dublin Airport, into Dublin Port and up along the River Liffey. The quays will be pedestrianised and many family and festival attractions will be available.   The flypast will last for two hours and is really an event not to be missed.”