by Claire O’Brien
SHANNON airport bosses have been urged by a leading member of one of the world’s most successful airport groups, the Friends of Liverpool Airport(FoLa) to create their own Friends of Shannon Airport group.
Graham Ward, editor of FoLA’s magazine spoke at an exploratory meeting attended by more than 200 people to consider the establishment of a Friends of Shannon Airport Group
The meeting was attended by supporters of the airport from Limerick, Clare, Cork, Galway and Tipperary. It was facilitated by the airport in response to requests from people who wished to offer their support on a voluntary basis.The event heard from three members of FoLA, which is in existence for 30 years and has more than 260 members. They said that Friends’ activities are very much valued by Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Mr Ward said “If you set up a group like ours in Shannon you will never regret it. People love to support something they believe in or are interested in. The group would be a win-win for all concerned,the airport and the members”.
FoLA’s activities include running tours of the airports for schools, colleges and other groups and organising airport exhibitions and promotions in shopping centres, factories and offices.
Shannon Airport CEO Neil Pakey, who worked closely with FoLA during his time as Liverpool Airport CEO, said, “There is such a close relationship between the airport and the region and an organisation like FoLA would be understandable given the airport’s importance to the region”.
