Media

Friday 7^th February 2014: Today, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) launched the inaugural Aviation Industry Awards, inviting nominations directly from individuals and businesses that have made an outstanding contribution to the sector. The awards will celebrate excellence within the Irish aviation industry and its significant contribution to the country’s economy, which includes 26,000 jobs and €4.1billion input.

Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority, Mr Eamonn Brennan says:

 “Ireland has always punched well above its weight in aviation. In the IAA we recognise the vital importance of aviation to the Irish economy and the need to celebrate the achievements of those working to ensure a safe and efficient industry and create jobs. The success and immense growth of the aviation sector in Ireland would not be possible without the outstanding work carried out by individuals and businesses across the entire island, from airlines to airports, pilots, engineers, finance and leasing companies, support services, researchers, training institutions, safety and security professionals, and of course the general aviation enthusiasts. We’re delighted to sponsor the Aviation Industry Awards, an All-Island event, as we believe it’s a tremendous opportunity to recognise the significant contributions made by all these different actors. I really encourage all aviation-related industries to get involved and throw their name in the ring.”

Some of the world’s largest airlines and companies responsible for half of the world’s aircraft leasing are based in Ireland and they contribute over €400m in tax, with a similar amount paid by firms in the supply chain for the sector. Aviation contributes €4.1 billion to Ireland’s GDP comprising €1.9bn directly from aviation, €1.3bn through the supply chain and €0.9bn from associated spending by people employed in the sector. Tourism also depends on aviation and it accounts for a further €5.3bn in GDP and 180,000 jobs.

There are eighteen awards categories in total, including the best in the fields of Airports, Air Operators, Leasing and Legal Achievements, Education & Training, Innovation, Environment and Safety. The deadline for entries is Friday 28^th March, with the shortlist announced on Friday 18^th April. Sponsored by the IAA, the awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 10^th June at the Double Tree by Hilton (formally the Burlington Hotel) in Dublin. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar will attend the awards.

 “Considering the relative size of the island of Ireland, the strength of our aviation industry is truly remarkable. The sector is set to continue to grow and this is something we are immensely proud of. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to achieve such success if it wasn’t for the underlying safety regulation oversight of the industry. Safety is - and always has been - the primary objective of the IAA, both in regulating the Irish civil aviation industry and in managing the 451,000 square kilometres of Irish-controlled airspace,” says Mr Brennan.

The Aviation Industry Awards are devised and organised by Event Strategies Limited. Details of each award category are available at www.aviationawards.ie and nominations can be submitted online. Entries will be judged by an independent judging panel committee.

ENDS

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