Media

30^th April 2015: Today, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) announced a 15.5% increase in its operating profit to €29.7 million for 2014 and confirmed it paid a €6.5m dividend to the State, up 35% on the previous year.  Turnover increased by 2.2% to €177.5 million while operating expenses decreased by 0.1% reflecting the continuing efforts of the company in the area of cost-effectiveness.  Total assets increased by 12.7% to €255.2 million.

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive said, “I’m very pleased with the company’s overall financial performance. Total flights in Irish airspace grew by 2.7% and we safely handled over 140 million passengers. We regulated the Irish aviation sector to the highest international standards. These results demonstrate our capability to lower our total costs, whilst simultaneously handling more air traffic. We continue to be one of the most competitive air navigation service providers in Europe providing a reliable and safe service to our airline customers and the travelling public.”

This encouraging growth marks a strong return to positive territory for almost all sectors of Irish air traffic. North Atlantic Communications flights (Europe / North America Flights) increased by 3.8% to 420,423. Ireland’s en route traffic (flights that pass through Irish airspace but don’t land) increased by 1.0% to 301,331 movements. On the domestic front, commercial traffic grew by 6.5% in 2014 at the three State airports of Dublin, Shannon and Cork, with a total of 215,783 movements (with 81% of the volume at Dublin Airport).

Throughout 2014, the IAA has engaged heavily in its Aireon investment (the world’s first real-time global satellite based air traffic management surveillance system). The IAA’s North Atlantic Communications facility in Ballygirreen, Co. Clare was successfully chosen as the prime site for the new global Aircraft Locating and Emergency Response system (ALERT) to track aircraft all over the world for use in emergency situations.

“Innovation plays a key role in our continued success. We are preparing for the future and Aireon is a key component of our long-term operational strategy. We anticipate similar positive air traffic trends in 2015 with further growth on the North Atlantic and at Dublin Airport in particular. We will ensure safety standards are maintained and we will support the airlines, the airports and the travelling public through the provision of safe, cost-efficient, and industry leading air traffic services. All told, I am very confident that the IAA will continue to deliver a robust financial performance in the years ahead and generate a significant return to the State,” said Eamonn Brennan.

For media queries, contact:

Tony Lane

Communications Executive

Irish Aviation Authority

Tel: +353 1 603 1199 

Mob: +353 86 7911864