The new national aviation policy was launched this week, but will any of the measures get off the ground? Coming just days after the sale of Aer Lingus to IAG, the policy outlines measures to support the sector, including a pledge to maintain Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports under State ownership, a bid to increase connectivity with emerging markets and a commitment to ensuring a high level of competition among airlines operating here. Also promised is continued support for regional airports (yes, that old chestnut), an independent review into the regulatory regime for airport charges and a pledge to maintain Ireland's attractiveness as a base for aircraft leasing.
There are 70 actions and, while some are concrete proposals, there’s plenty of hot air and vague promises.
One measure outlined is a move to develop Dublin airport as a secondary hub to compete with other European airports for the expanding global aviation services market. IAG has previously outlined how it wants to use our main airport as a transatlantic hub and would, no doubt, welcome any support. Minister for Transport Pascal Donohoe said at the launch of the policy that such supports may include a second runway for Dublin.
Close to 11.5 million passengers used Dublin airport in the first six months of this year, up 15 per cent on the same period a year earlier. This figure is forecast to grow, but one possible fly in the ointment is the expanding of preclearance facilities for US-bound travellers to other European cities. Ireland has benefitted greatly from the fact that Dublin and Shannon are the only airports in Europe to have pre-inspection facilities. However, the US has recently entered into negotiations with 10 airports to expand this arrangement with Heathrow and Manchester among those included.
Any changes to the current arrangement could have devastating consequences for passenger growth projections and quickly end the dream of Dublin becoming central to travellers’ plans. Failure to take account of this possibility may come back to haunt the Government.