Latest blow may signal kiss of death for airport

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

An impending decision by Aer Arann to close its maintenance facility in Galway is likely to be the final ‘nail in the coffin’ for Galway Airport.

A decision on the engineering base – which carries out heavier maintenance of the airline’s fleet in Ireland – is expected to be made in a fortnight’s time, and is likely to indicate whether Aer Arann will resume scheduled flights from Galway in 2012.

However, the Galway City Tribune has learned that notice has already been served on airport management that Aer Arann intends vacating the hangar in Carnmore in which it services its fleet.

A spokesperson for Aer Arann said no firm decision has yet been made on the airline’s future in Galway. “It is an option that we have to consider [closing the maintenance facility] based on whether we resume services at the airport. Nothing has been finalised,” the spokesperson said.

Around 25 people are employed in the engineering base, and it’s understood they will be given the option of transferring to Dublin.

Michael Coyle, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce – the largest shareholder in the airport – said: “It’s not accurate to assume that serving notice on the [maintenance facility] means scheduled Aer Arann flighs will not recommence next year.”

“It’s been a very difficult period and we will view closely any decision made by Aer Arann. The Chamber has tried to manage the situation as best they can to ensure the right decisions were taken.

“We’re on the brink of 2012 and the evolution continues … Aer Arann’s notice on the lease [for the hangar] was only communicated to the airport within the last couple of weeks, and we must now look at the ramifications of that.

On October 31, Aer Arann ceased its flights from Galway to London Southend, London Luton, Edinburgh, Manchester and Waterford for the winter season, with the loss of 47 jobs.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.