Media Archive

Galway Airport marks a New Departure!

Galway Airport holds its first business function in its new look Departures Lounge

Galway Airport recently hosted the annual Galway Chamber reception which this year was held in the newly upgraded Departures Lounge. The reception was attended by Minister Eamon O'Cuiv, the County and City Mayors, local elected representatives, City and County councillors, local residents and the local business community.

In his introduction to the evening, Mr. Paul Shelly, President of Galway Chamber said "I congratulate the airport on their achievements since we met here last year when Minister Dempsey launched the re-branding of the airport. That re-branding concentrated on ‘connectivity' and that's what Galway Airport continues to do -it continues to provide connectivity for those of us living in the region to national and international destinations and this is vital from a personal and business point of view"

He went on to say that "Galway Chamber's mission statement is to make Galway the leading location for business, investment and people. Connecting with our markets, our investors our families is fundamental to our success. It has never been more important that this region be connected than it is now. In these difficult economic times we need more than ever to be accessible, to be available and to be proactive".

In his address Mr. Michael Corless, Chairman of the Board of Galway Airport said that "2008 was a challenging year for Galway Airport and despite the onslaught of a global downturn we achieved our principal objectives including Transport 21 support which has resulted in significant improvements to the airport and although Government support for our capital program has been curtailed I wish to add that the Government to date has honoured all its commitments to Galway Airport".

He went on to say that "Galway Airport continues to provide a top class quality service and this was recognised by the airports selection as a national finalist in the National Quality awards and the retention of the prestigious EIQA Quality mark". In conclusion he stated that "it is important that essential infrastructural developments at Galway Airport continue with the support of our Government for the benefit of the local and national economy in the medium to longer term".

Minister O'Cuiv, who was the last speaker on the night, in his address said that "2008 has certainly brought a number of positive developments for the airport including further growth on the London Luton service and improved access to the global aviation network through the connection with the Amsterdam Schiphol gateway and Aer Arann's code-sharing agreement with Etihad Airways. Galway has had the benefit of the support schemes for regional air access operated by the Department of Transport and grant aid under Transport 21 capital grant scheme has supported a range of projects at the airport including the completion of work on the terminal building, runway and lighting projects. Also support for the PSO air service connection with Dublin is another boost for the airport and I am glad to see that it was possible to maintain this service in the new contractual period"

He also said that "the airport is going into the fray with the benefit of recent capital investments which have boosted the airports commercial potential and means that the airport is now better positioned to attract new business from a wider range of airlines".

In conclusion he said that "ultimately it comes down to the human factor - the quality and dedication of the management and staff and the loyalty of the customers to whom the airport provides an important local and regional service. Galway airport is not lacking in that respect".

ENDS