A PILOT training school and a museum are among the projects being considered by the Shannon Airport Authority as it steps up its commercial brief to improve the airport’s earning potential.
And the changeover to a more customer-friendly environment began last week with the airport authority offering one of the lowest long-term parking rates in the country.
Shannon chief executive Neil Pakey was briefing members of Limerick city council’s transport committee when he said that the airport is looking at a broad spectrum of initiatives including pilot training and having the airport look at adopting an educational role.
The board is also planning to establish a ‘Friends of Shannon Airport’ support organization, based on the success of a similar group in Liverpool.
“Their enthusiasm and support for the airport was enormous. They organised school groups to see how the airport worked; they helped out with large groups of wheelchair users and helped publicise the airport. They were absolutely fantastic and they are coming over to brief the Shannon airport board before we invite people to join our own group”, he said.
Commenting on the airport’s ‘Park4Less’ option, Mr Pakey said the rate had been reduced to €24.99 for a week when booked on-line.
“That’s the cheapest parking of any airport in in Ireland. People can choose to pay less and park a short distance from the front door or they can pay a little more and be right beside the door”, he explained.
