Ryanair - Galway Airport

boardsie08

Just wondering what with Aer Arann cutting their routes and letting go staff, they seem to be on shaky ground.

If Aer Arann were to go bust completely, what would be the likely hood of Ryanair coming into Galway Airport?

I know that Galway Airport is very small, small runways etc.. but I've always wondered why Ryanair never set up shop there?

They're in nearly all other regional airports around Ireland, and Galway is a big enough city, I'm sure they could definitely put on some profitable routes there?

Why exactly has Ryanair shied away from Galway?

Surely there would be demand for routes to Dublin and Belfast, the major airports in the UK, perhaps even some to the likes of Alicante, Murcia, Beauvais etc..

shanemul

Galway have no hope in getting Ryanair to setup as their runway is far too short a bae 146 is not even able to take off at full capicity from there

*Kol*

The runway is not long enough for the B737-800 as far as I can emember off the top of my head. Maybe somebody has the figures?

tracker-man

Well firstly, every airline today is experiencing trouble and are all on shaky ground but yes you're right, what ever would happen to Galway if Aer Arann were to go bust.

Actually ryanair used to fly in and out of galway in the past (Routes began in 1987) but they ceased in 1991 due to the Gulf war breaking out causing passenger traffic to collapse. Ryanair responded by getting rid of the turbo props by returning 3 x ATR 42s to their owners, a decision which resulted in the withdrawal from regional routes to Kerry, Galway and Waterford airport.



Personally I would love to see Ryanair introduce routes in Galway. Hasn't O'Leary recently said something about Galway airport not standing a chance or something something?? Can't rightly remember, i'm sure someone will know here.

boardsie08

Looks like that may be the case indeed.

From: http://www.flightmapping.com/Ireland/Galway/

"The range of cheap flights to and from Galway has expanded dramatically in the second wave of low-cost airline expansion. This gateway to western Ireland does not have the facilities to attract the larger aircraft used by budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet"

Jesus, that's some shortsightedness on behalf of those at the helms of Galway Airport then!

You'd think that they'd have put measures in place years ago to expand the airport and it's runways years ago with the advent of no-frills airlines.

The amount of revenue that they're losing out on to the likes of Shannon and Knock etc..

Danbo!

Galway = 4,003ft runway

Doesnt a 737 need 9,000-12,000 depending on the variant?

EDIT: nope, figures completely wrong there... I see 16/34 at EIDW is only 6,700 so im a bit confused now

EDIT 2: Did a quick google search and according to this bloke the 737 needs 4,700ft

boardsie08

Personally I would love to see Ryanair introduce routes in Galway. Hasn't O'Leary recently said something about Galway airport not standing a chance or something something?? Can't rightly remember, i'm sure someone will know here.

Yes, I seem to recall something to that effect also, trying to find that article atm.

It just seems like madness to me that a city the size of Galway has never done anything to improve the airport.

The amount of revenue that would be generated through increased jobs, boosted tourism etc.. if Galway had a decent airport which Ryanair could have a base in.

I wonder if Ryanair has ever thought about buying out Aer Arann and running their routes with their current fleet?

At present Aer Arann are far from a no-frills carrier, I'm sure Ryanair could turn around Aer Arann and squeeze out maximum profits on it's existing routes and perhaps add a few new ones to boot.

tracker-man

Aren't the airport staff on strike at the moment also, due to cuts in hours? Who are the shareholders of the airport?

ch252

I personally wouldn't like to see ryanair come in, but if aer arann did go bust, then that would be a completely different story, ryanair would be a good thing then but at the moment, aer arann are a bigger asset to Galway than ryanair would be if they came in, and if they came in, they would force aer arann out.

Personally I don't think the runway will be extended in my lifetime, and believe me I have a good few years left!;) Its not that it can't be extended, its that it won't. Shannon and knock are too close now. There has been loads of talk about extending but no action, and to be honest, from talking to the various people in operations at the airport they say it won't be extended for the same reason as stated above.

I really would love to see it extended and bring in more airlines but I think that aer arann should still remain the main airline operating out of Galway.

tracker-man wrote: »

Aren't the airport staff on strike at the moment also, due to cuts in hours? Who are the shareholders of the airport?

Yes they are, due to their 39 hour week being cut to 20. I think it's happening Thursday, but I'm open to correction on that.

boardsie08

darragh-k wrote: »

I personally wouldn't like to see ryanair come in.

At the moment, aer arann are a bigger asset to Galway than ryanair would be if they came in.

I think that aer arann should still remain the main airline operating out of Galway.

Hi Darragh,

Just curious as to why you wouldn't like to see Ryanair coming to Galway and why Aer Arann are a bigger asset to Galway than Ryanair?

From a lay persons point of view, I think that all *most* people want are cheap fares and a good network of routes to popular destinations.

If Aer Arann bite the dust, sure there'll be job losses, but couldn't the same people who lost their jobs with Aer Arann in theory reapply with Ryanair?

Ok, so the wages may not be as good, but at least they'd have steady employment, and I think that Ryanair are probably one of the more secure airlines atm given that they cut costs down to the bone, one thing they'll never be accused of is squandering money willy nilly (Don't Aer Lingus cabin crew uniforms cost multiples of what Ryanairs do? C'mon lads, it's a uniform no need to spend big bucks on "designer" uniforms!)

And with regards to Galway itself, well if Ryanair came in, wouldn't that mean increased jobs, increased flights, increased tourists, all of which would bring more money into Galway?

Or am I missing something and taking an overly simplistic view of all this?

Btw, not arguing your points, just curious as to your reasoning

highlydebased

The runway would need to be lengthened by a few hundred metres.

Look at the likes of Lubeck (EDHL) airport in Germany. The runway is 1800x60m long and Ryanair operate regular flights from there. So its possible

tracker-man

darragh-k wrote: »

I personally wouldn't like to see ryanair come in.

I really would love to see it extended and bring in more airlines...

??

Ryanair would offer much more to the consumer than aer arann ever could, better fares, more routes, etc. There is much more stability in Ryanairs finances than in Aer arann's, IMO. Ryanair would bring in more tourists and business men to the city, the local economy would benefit, airport figures would be up and so on.

I think if Ryanair were to come in to galway, things would get serious there, at the moment IMO, it is just an excuse for an airport. What I mean is, How many flights yearly does aer arann have in galway? Now imagine what ryanair could do with them figures if only they could operate there.

tracker-man

With regard to the strike

Strike notice was served last week and will come into effect any time after midnight on October 29th unless there is a resolution to the issues.

Biro

boardsie08 wrote: »

Yes, I seem to recall something to that effect also, trying to find that article atm.

It just seems like madness to me that a city the size of Galway has never done anything to improve the airport.

The amount of revenue that would be generated through increased jobs, boosted tourism etc.. if Galway had a decent airport which Ryanair could have a base in.

I wonder if Ryanair has ever thought about buying out Aer Arann and running their routes with their current fleet?

At present Aer Arann are far from a no-frills carrier, I'm sure Ryanair could turn around Aer Arann and squeeze out maximum profits on it's existing routes and perhaps add a few new ones to boot.

From the figures posted above, Ryanair don't have an option of coming into Galway, as the runway isn't sufficient for the 738's.
On your point above, Ryanair won't run any other aircraft only 737's, and more specifically 738's. They had a few 735's when they bought that other budget airline for a while, but they're nearly or completely gone now. And in any case the existing pilots would be already type-rated for that aircraft.
Introducing a new range of aircraft is a step back for Ryanair, as it introduces more cost. So in short, no, they have no interest in Aer Arann.
Also Aer Arann have more flights into Galway than Ryanair have into Knock!!

benbulbin

Biro wrote: »

Also Aer Arann have more flights into Galway than Ryanair have into Knock!!

Not at the moment, Aer Arann have cut back on many of the more marginal destinations and looking at current timetable only 5 destinations are bookable direct from Galway (DUB, WAT, LTN, MAN, EDI). AMS has been kept on via WAT.

Ryanair serve 5 destinations from Knock (LTN, STN, EMA, BRS, LPL) with much higher capacity, and BMI serve GLA, MAN & BHX. Depends if you value frequency over capacity.

diverdriver

If Galway extended the runway, Ryanair and a few others would be in there like a shot. However the likeliehood that a cranky outfit like Galway would ever get it's act together and extend that runway is slim. As it is it's marginal for the ATRs. It's a Captain only landing due to the width of the runway.

Galwegans like to dream big but that's probably excess alcohol and waccy baccy they're on. They always coming up with nutty ideas like, light rail or some other fantasy. Meanwhile the traffic is gridlocked and you still can't drink the water and there still isn't a decent shopping centre in the whole city or an annual airshow.:p

They missed their chance anyway, Knock and Shannon are now just over an hour away. When Aer Arann goes back to being a little island hopping operation. Galway airport will revert to a little GA unfriendly field somewher out west.

Biro

benbulbin wrote: »

Not at the moment, Aer Arann have cut back on many of the more marginal destinations and looking at current timetable only 5 destinations are bookable direct from Galway (DUB, WAT, LTN, MAN, EDI). AMS has been kept on via WAT.

Ryanair serve 5 destinations from Knock (LTN, STN, EMA, BRS, LPL) with much higher capacity, and BMI serve GLA, MAN & BHX. Depends if you value frequency over capacity.

Frequency!! I like taking pictures without having to wait for a plane! I don't care whether the planes flying are empty or full. Empty prefferably if I'm on one!

ch252

Tracker and boardsie,
I see where you're coming from and there are two sides to this.
Aer arann have the hangar there in Galway, Galway is one of their bases. Ryanair aren't going to pay rent to the airport for that hangar, and who else is?

Ryanair won't care too much about Galway, they won't offer as many routes as theydo from the bigger airports. What is the point in offering the same routes that they give from 2 airports, each just over an hour away from Galway.

Ryanair offer 5 routes ex Knock, and 5 ex Kerry, both of those airports are comparable to Galway except for runway length, so thats what we can expect from ryanair in Galway. Aer arann offer 12 routes from Galway. Thats how I see aer arann better for Galway airport, being realistic, they won't both exist together there.

All that being said however, ryanair would force a runway extension which may make it better in the long term for the airport.

vulcan57

boardsie08 wrote: »

Ok, so the wages may not be as good, but at least they'd have steady employment, and I think that Ryanair are probably one of the more secure airlines atm given that they cut costs down to the bone, one thing they'll never be accused of is squandering money willy nilly (Don't Aer Lingus cabin crew uniforms cost multiples of what Ryanairs do? C'mon lads, it's a uniform no need to spend big bucks on "designer" uniforms!)

And with regards to Galway itself, well if Ryanair came in, wouldn't that mean increased jobs, increased flights, increased tourists, all of which would bring more money into Galway?

Or am I missing something and taking an overly simplistic view of all this?

Btw, not arguing your points, just curious as to your reasoning

On the Uniform subject, I seem to remember reading somewhere a while ago that Ryanair staff have to pay for their own uniform!

I think that if money were invested into Galway airport and the runway was extended, then I think it would be a good thing all round. Regardless of weather or not Ryanair would operate out of here, it would open the doors to a number of airlines, Easyjet and BMI to mention but 2. I really can't see this happening though as there seems to be considerable apathy with the powers that be and no one seems to want to make that decision or investment.

I suppose we could all live in hope.

highlydebased

vulcan57 wrote: »

On the Uniform subject, I seem to remember reading somewhere a while ago that Ryanair staff have to pay for their own uniform!

I think that if money were invested into Galway airport and the runway was extended, then I think it would be a good thing all round. Regardless of weather or not Ryanair would operate out of here, it would open the doors to a number of airlines, Easyjet and BMI to mention but 2. I really can't see this happening though as there seems to be considerable apathy with the powers that be and no one seems to want to make that decision or investment.

I suppose we could all live in hope.

It is unlikely that Easyjet will ever return to Ireland again.

BMI is also unlikely to start flights to Galway of all places if the opportunity did arise. BMI Baby perhaps though.

boardsie08

vulcan57 wrote: »

On the Uniform subject, I seem to remember reading somewhere a while ago that Ryanair staff have to pay for their own uniform!

I think that if money were invested into Galway airport and the runway was extended, then I think it would be a good thing all round. Regardless of weather or not Ryanair would operate out of here, it would open the doors to a number of airlines, Easyjet and BMI to mention but 2. I really can't see this happening though as there seems to be considerable apathy with the powers that be and no one seems to want to make that decision or investment.

I suppose we could all live in hope.

Yeah, you're right about the uniforms, they have to pay for the privilige of them I believe! lol

Don't the cabin crew also have to pay for their training also?

Yeah, if Ryanair didn't take up Galway if it was upgraded (though I think that would be unlikely) then definitely some other budget airlines would jump at the chance I'm sure

Neon-Circles wrote: »

It is unlikely that Easyjet will ever return to Ireland again.

BMI is also unlikely to start flights to Galway of all places if the opportunity did arise. BMI Baby perhaps though.

Yeah, can't see Easyjet competing with Ryanair on their own turf. IF they did though, you can guarantee Ryanair would be in like a shot to oust out Easyjet and undercut them on every single route.

I think that actually building a new airport from scratch would probably be the best option, in a new location, as carnmore doesn't currently have much room for expansion, and public transport to and fro there isn't the best at all.

ch252

boardsie08 wrote: »

I think that actually building a new airport from scratch would probably be the best option, in a new location, as carnmore doesn't currently have much room for expansion, and public transport to and fro there isn't the best at all.

I suppose living very very close to the airport leads me to want it to remain in Carnmore but I guess it would be better off to move. Rumours were floating around about a move to Oranmore but I guess if that new motorway being built beside the airport has showed us anything it's that the runway can be extended but the sad fact is that as quoted above, we're too late really with Shannon and Knock being so big now for us to reach the full potential that Galway airport could have had to offer.

The army range in Oranmore would be ideal really, huge flat open area of land on the suburbs of the town of Oranmore, 10 - 15 mins drive to the city centre(with little traffic!) and a train station in the pipeline there and good bus links.

tracker-man

I agree with Darragh-k on the oranmore site, and hopefully then the current airport would be donated to the flying club!

A move should have been made 5-10 years ago but due to the current worldwide recession nothing will be done for another 5-10 years, if ever.
I doubt there were any serious notions of extending the runway or surely it would have been done at the same time or close to the same time as when the turnaround at the 26 end and the new ramp lights were done.

ch252

tracker-man wrote: »

I agree with Darragh-k on the oranmore site, and hopefully then the current airport would be donated to the flying club!

surely it would have been done at the same time or close to the same time as when the turnaround at the 26 end and the new ramp lights were done.

A little biased on the flying club one there tracker:P

AN re: the lights,

notice how they haven't done the 08 end, perhaps thats to allow for extension? but again, it is more likely to be due to 26 being the active a lot more than 08 and due to it having the auld ils etc etc

gugsy

I'm a bit late with this post as i'm only a new comer to the site. But i believe galway has and will always have potential in creating a bigger airport. Yes there were talks of extending the runway but in doing so they need to buy land from farmers around the airport, which i may not be sure is still on going as the new motorway is being built so near which may have dismantaled any further talks. If this is not the case then im sure they are continuing to negotiate, and will come to a deal once the road is completed. Imagine how big the roadworks and contrustion site of the airport would be if the two simultaneously construct :eek: im sure residents near by would have voted against this. Im sure they are not stupid at the airport (maybe im totally wrong:p) but im sure they know the potential. Galway is a population of just under 100,000 there are maybe a futher 50,000 polish and other non-nationalist staying here, along with the millions that visit galway each year, regular flights to and from other countrys would not be at a loss. Galway is one, if not the best places to stay in ireland and its not because im from here, i work on doors and hear it from (ok! i know they are drunk) tourists every nite im working. Why travel to shannon or knock when you can start and end your holiday in the best place in ireland? Anyway i could write a book on why it could happen but all i can do is discuss it. Maybe im totally wrong!!!!!!

Terrontress

gugsy wrote: »

I'm a bit late with this post as i'm only a new comer to the site. But i believe galway has and will always have potential in creating a bigger airport. Yes there were talks of extending the runway but in doing so they need to buy land from farmers around the airport, which i may not be sure is still on going as the new motorway is being built so near which may have dismantaled any further talks. If this is not the case then im sure they are continuing to negotiate, and will come to a deal once the road is completed. Imagine how big the roadworks and contrustion site of the airport would be if the two simultaneously construct :eek: im sure residents near by would have voted against this. Im sure they are not stupid at the airport (maybe im totally wrong:p) but im sure they know the potential. Galway is a population of just under 100,000 there are maybe a futher 50,000 polish and other non-nationalist staying here, along with the millions that visit galway each year, regular flights to and from other countrys would not be at a loss. Galway is one, if not the best places to stay in ireland and its not because im from here, i work on doors and hear it from (ok! i know they are drunk) tourists every nite im working. Why travel to shannon or knock when you can start and end your holiday in the best place in ireland? Anyway i could write a book on why it could happen but all i can do is discuss it. Maybe im totally wrong!!!!!!

A great objective appraisal of Galway as the best place in Ireland there. What a coincidence that it is also where you live. Are you sure it is not the best place in the world?

I'd be surprised if there are any major upgrades to Galway airport to maximise tourist potential. The two major tourist groups in Ireland are the English and the Americans. The runway will not be upgraded to accept 4 engine aircraft, A330s, 757s so the Americans will continue to fly to Dublin and Shannon and with the Sterling value falling like a stone the number of tourists from the UK will drop massively.

ronnie3585

gugsy wrote: »

Maybe im totally wrong!!!!!!

Maybe you are.

There will be sheep grazing the runway in Galway before there are 737s landing there. The simple fact of the matter is that very soon Galway Airport will no longer serve a purpose. When the last leg of the motorway opens in January you will be able to travel Galway to Dublin in under two hours. Why would you check in an hour before a forty minute flight that is going to land you out in Swords when you can go to exactly where you want in the comfort of your own car in less time and for a lot less money. Of course there will be a certain element that will want to travel by air but for the vast majority of people the motorway will be the only way to travel. The same will be true when the motorway to Shannon is completed in eighteen months. Why endure the hassle and expense of Galway when you have an international airport less than an hour away by car?

At a practical level there is no chance of the runway being extended in Galway. The Chamber of Commerce simply does not have the funds, now or any time in the near to medium future. As far as I'm aware the lands to the west of the 08 threshold were CPO'd many years ago and the CPOs have since run out. This would add a whole other level of expense and delay to any plans to lengthen the runway.

Ireland has the population similar to that of Birmingham in the UK yet we have nine airports. Maybe Michael O'Leary was right and we have far too many airports. The improvement of our internal infrastructure network has made this country a smaller place and has really called into question the necessity of so many airports. With times being as they are, the ever reducing amount of scheduled flights, and the likelihood of the PSOs being severely curtailed (if not abolished) at the end of this year I think the days of Galway Airport are limited.

Cosmo Kramer

ronnie3585 wrote: »

Maybe you are.

There will be sheep grazing the runway in Galway before there are 737s landing there. The simple fact of the matter is that very soon Galway Airport will no longer serve a purpose. When the last leg of the motorway opens in January you will be able to travel Galway to Dublin in under two hours. Why would you check in an hour before a forty minute flight that is going to land you out in Swords when you can go to exactly where you want in the comfort of your own car in less time and for a lot less money. Of course there will be a certain element that will want to travel by air but for the vast majority of people the motorway will be the only way to travel. The same will be true when the motorway to Shannon is completed in eighteen months. Why endure the hassle and expense of Galway when you have an international airport less than an hour away by car?

At a practical level there is no chance of the runway being extended in Galway. The Chamber of Commerce simply does not have the funds, now or any time in the near to medium future. As far as I'm aware the lands to the west of the 08 threshold were CPO'd many years ago and the CPOs have since run out. This would add a whole other level of expense and delay to any plans to lengthen the runway.

Ireland has the population similar to that of Birmingham in the UK yet we have nine airports. Maybe Michael O'Leary was right and we have far too many airports. The improvement of our internal infrastructure network has made this country a smaller place and has really called into question the necessity of so many airports. With times being as they are, the ever reducing amount of scheduled flights, and the likelihood of the PSOs being severely curtailed (if not abolished) at the end of this year I think the days of Galway Airport are limited.

I think that's a fair enough assessment to be honest. Galway, more than any of the other airports, suffers from its proximity to Dublin - especially with the motorway running right past the airport soon. I think there is still a place for the likes of Kerry and Knock Airports, they are far removed from Dublin and each have their own catchment areas well away from other airports. Particularly Knock, although it is in a sparsely populated region, it is a good centre point to cater for a large area of the country not served by any other decent airport. But with Galway's short runway and its cramped location between Shannon, Knock and Dublin, its only a matter of time for it now you feel. All of the destinations it serves directly (there are only 4 these days - London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Dublin) can be more comfortably and cheaply be reached from Shannon and/or Knock, or in Dublin's case by driving there.

CowboyTed

I know that some of the big employers in Galway a have conditions with the Goverment around access to europe using Galway Airport.

While the details around what has to be there is never exact, I have seen feasibility studies for other places outside Ireland and it is a major concern.

I have been flying out of Galway almost weekly for 12 years and the big concern is the times of the flights of Budget operators.. Can't do business if the flight is 12 noon. Aer arann can bring you to London make a 5 hour meeting and get home in the one day. Can work a full week and be home on Friday night...

The width of the Galway airport is actually a bigger problem than the length I have been told...

ch252

CowboyTed wrote: »

The width of the Galway airport is actually a bigger problem than the length I have been told...

True, when flybe were there, their planes found it very hard to do the 180 degree turn on the backtack

diverdriver

The width is a problem, as far as I'm aware. It's a Captain only approach and landing for Aer Arann (or is that still in place?).

I do agree the new motorway will damage Aer Arann's passenger figures, I made the trip a couple of times now and did it in two hours five minutes to the M50 without speeding and that was to Ballinasloe and crawling through because of the bloody horse fair. Once the new stretch opens it will be less than two hours to Dublin, maybe even an hour forty five minutes or even less. That may kill the Galway Dublin route. Worse still getting to Shannon will be even quicker once that road is completed and Shannon has a runway capable of taking a space shuttle, never mind a 737.

Galway has blown it in terms of being a significant airport. There won't be a runway extension now. Maybe they'll start being nicer to GA traffic because that's all they'll have soon.

ch252

diverdriver wrote: »

The width is a problem, as far as I'm aware. It's a Captain only approach and landing for Aer Arann (or is that still in place?).

I know it was the case for a night time landing anyway, not sure if that is still the case.

I think the case for the runway to be extended has really been exhausted at this stage, can't see it happening and I was talking to a lad in operations there who said he can't see it happening in his lifetime anyway, and I don't think it will happen in mine either and I'm not old!

bensweeney

What are they doing to get Ryanair in there now?

L1011

bensweeney wrote: »

What are they doing to get Ryanair in there now?

Nothing. The airport is dead.

Even if it wasn't, the runway is too small and always will be.

bensweeney

MYOB wrote: »

Nothing. The airport is dead.

Even if it wasn't, the runway is too small and always will be.

But it is still opened

L1011

bensweeney wrote: »

But it is still opened

There are no commercial flights, there are unlikely to ever be commercial flights ever again.

bensweeney

MYOB wrote: »

There are no commercial flights, there are unlikely to ever be commercial flights ever again.

Thats why Galway chamber of commerce need to be negotiating with Ryanair, Airlingus or even Wizz Air to get them in.

L1011

bensweeney wrote: »

Thats why Galway chamber of commerce need to be negotiating with Ryanair, Airlingus or even Wizz Air to get them in.

None of those airlines are going to come in as:

1: There is no demand
2: The airport is physically too small
3: Again, there is no demand.

Its dead. Face it.

bensweeney

MYOB wrote: »

None of those airlines are going to come in as:

1: There is no demand
2: The airport is physically too small
3: Again, there is no demand.

Its dead. Face it.

But there was once well over 300,000 passengers a year using Galway airport. Its in a major population centre, sure look at Knokc! in the middle of no where and big airlines like Ryanair, Air Lingus and Lufthansa are using it. Why not Galway?

I have been in the two airports Knock is not much bigger then Galway.

L1011

bensweeney wrote: »

But there was once well over 300,000 passengers a year using Galway airport. Its in a major population centre, sure look at Knokc! in the middle of no where and big airlines like Ryanair, Air Lingus and Lufthansa are using it. Why not Galway?

I have been in the two airports Knock is not much bigger then Galway.

When there was 300,000 passengers a year there was no motorway to Dublin, no motorway half the way to Shannon and subsidised flights. And many of the routes were losing money.

Knock has a runway that can handle proper sized jets. Galway does not and never will have. All it can handle are turboprops and low loads in small regional jets which limits range and attractiveness. Knock also has ILS, Galway does not and cannot afford it.

Your concept of size is presumably based on the terminal, which is the least important factor.

Eire celticbhoy

bensweeney I can see where your coming from but it would be impossible to cater for such airlines as Galway Airport doesnt have a runway long enough to handle larger aircraft. I do hope some small regional airline comes to Galway even for the summer for the Volvo ocean race as Galway will be a popular location for tourist as that will be a big attraction.But saying that I dont see anything happening for the foreseeable future unfortunately .

Storm 10

Well I cannot understand how they did not try and hold talks with Aer Lingus Regional to operate to maybe London and Manchester, after all its Aer Arann aircraft they are using it would be a great attraction to get Aer Lingus back to Galway again when the operated alongside Ryanair.

L1011

Storm 10 wrote: »

Well I cannot understand how they did not try and hold talks with Aer Lingus Regional to operate to maybe London and Manchester, after all its Aer Arann aircraft they are using it would be a great attraction to get Aer Lingus back to Galway again when the operated alongside Ryanair.

Because they already operated routes to London and Manchester and the passenger numbers were falling through the floor. Aer Arann have more viable routes to use those craft on.

bensweeney

Eire celticbhoy wrote: »

bensweeney I can see where your coming from but it would be impossible to cater for such airlines as Galway Airport doesnt have a runway long enough to handle larger aircraft. I do hope some small regional airline comes to Galway even for the summer for the Volvo ocean race as Galway will be a popular location for tourist as that will be a big attraction.But saying that I dont see anything happening for the foreseeable future unfortunately .

Easy build a longer runway. Plenty of room either side from what I can see.

bensweeney

I dont like saying it, but there seems to be lots of people with agendas to the reason why Galway airport cannot be great. Maybe these have links with knock or shannon I do not know. sad to see though.

Suits

bensweeney wrote: »

I dont like saying it, but there seems to be lots of people with agendas to the reason why Galway airport cannot be great. Maybe these have links with knock or shannon I do not know. sad to see though.

You dont seem to really understand aviation at all.....

Galway's runway is far too short for any jet to operate full. In order to make it long enough for jets it would need to be MUCH longer and that requires planning permission and local consultation and no doubt there would be locals unhappy with jets coming in and out all day.

Knock and Shannon are close enough that it wouldnt be worth it for any airline.
You would need to upgrade handling facilities, fire and rescue etc etc before you got a jet airline in.

Nobody is going to piss money away extending galway's runway when airlines will just fly to Knock and Shannon anyhow.

Might I add it seems to be you who has the agenda....but you have no real practical plan or picture for Galway to present...

bensweeney

Suits wrote: »

You dont seem to really understand aviation at all.....

Galway's runway is far too short for any jet to operate full. In order to make it long enough for jets it would need to be MUCH longer and that requires planning permission and local consultation and no doubt there would be locals unhappy with jets coming in and out all day.

Knock and Shannon are close enough that it wouldnt be worth it for any airline.
You would need to upgrade handling facilities, fire and rescue etc etc before you got a jet airline in.

Nobody is going to piss money away extending galway's runway when airlines will just fly to Knock and Shannon anyhow.

Might I add it seems to be you who has the agenda....but you have no real practical plan or picture for Galway to present...

How dare you I have no agenda, only the betterment of Connacht. Father James Horan was told the same things about Knock but it was built.

Suits

bensweeney wrote: »

How dare you I have no agenda, only the betterment of Connacht. Father James Horan was told the same things about Knock but it was built.

Yes because they needed an airport.....nobody needs an airport in Galway......it would be a waste of money and nobody would fly in there...

Anyhow you wouldnt fit Knock's runway into Galway airfield...it's too long. With stopway/clearway, turntables etc you would need to extend the airport across the roads at each end and into the fields....so unless they want to build a runway/ redirect a few roads no jets are coming into Galway.....ball park figure for wet runway in low vis is 1800m of runway needed I think to safely get in taking margins into account(could be corrected). For Galway to get that length you'd need to move the road and evict people from their houses.....so couple that with the fact there is no need for a jet airport there...and your idea sinks faster than an '800 on a gusty day

lotusm

To be honest when the dual carriageway is done from Gort to Tuam, Galway will have 2 airports about an hour away flying to many european destinations with connections e.g London Paris Dusseldorf to anywhere from there onwards.. that can only be good news

bensweeney

I am sorry everybody. I did not mean to be rude.

lotusm

no worries ben:D if we can get that dual carriage way all the way to Collooney, Sligo i be a happy man