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FlightFest will involve a major air traffic control operation to ensure that everything runs safely and smoothly on the day. A separate unit will be established at the Dublin Air Traffic Control Centre to oversee the operation and make sure that the displaying aircraft are delivered in the correct order and spacing. Aircraft that depart Dublin Airport will be routed via the M50 motorway to enter a hold situated over the sea, east of Killiney. When their turn arrives, they will route across Dublin Bay, around the Pigeon House chimneys and along the display area between Dublin Port (East Link Toll Bridge) and the Custom’s House (Matt Talbot Bridge).

In preparation for FlightFest, a team of experts have been working hard to ensure a safe and efficient operation on the day and have undertaken extensive training simulations. Peter Kearney, Director of ATM Strategy and Operations said, “FlightFest will present an extremely dynamic ATC situation, requiring Air Traffic Controllers of exceptional experience. Fortunately, we have a very capable team in that regard. The operation will run in parallel to and without impacting normal day to day operations at Dublin airport. It’s been an extremely long planning process requiring liaison with the safety authorities and aircraft operators in order to ensure a spectacular but safe event. We are very grateful for all their assistance so far.”

In terms of the actual fly past, Paul McCann, Operations Manager Dublin ACC explained: “When the aircraft approach the display area, they will be handed over to a local flight information unit, staffed by controllers from Dublin Air Traffic Control Centre. This unit will be situated on the balcony of the PWC building located near Samuel Beckett Bridge and will provide pertinent local information, while the aircraft are performing their fly by. In fact, PWC will be the busiest ATC tower in the country on the day! When the aircraft complete their first run, most aircraft will then route via Dun Laoghaire and the Pigeon House chimneys for a second run, while continuing to be provided with information from the local flight information service. Major tasks for both units will be the integration of the varied sizes and speeds of the participating aircraft”.

For more information, visit FlightFest.ie or follow FlightFest on Facebook and Twitter.