Shannon Airport Thread [Mod Warning in First Post]

Only SNN Airport Authority staff use them as they get a 30% discount - the airport subsidise their staff for 20% and EFG pick up the tab for the other 10%. If you work in EI, car hire etc you pay full price - the 10% your supposed to get doesnt happen. Loads of new staff and they always put the new hires on the till day one. Staff coffee 4 years ago was 1.90, then last year 2.30 and now its gone. Most of the staff now go into WH Smith for staff coffee - americano is 1.50.

They know how to charge in the Sheridan bar now too. I paid €8.75 for a pint of mortetti there the other week!

I notice the summer schedule launched over on SNN Instagram page - seems no significant announcements in prospect?

Does this look like a greater focus on US market ?

https://www.businesspost.ie/news/shannon-airport-seeking-aviation-specialist-as-it-eyes-route-expansion/

Though the article also mentions that experience of the middle east and European markets also desirable

Looks like it's just the Saturday and Sunday.

Madeira sounds like a very promising destination. A travel 'expert' tells me that it will probably be only available out of Shannon for a few years so a great chance for locals to see a new and historic destination. I hope to book later today.

looking for any feedback on the lounge at Shannon airport €33.50 per adult has any one tried it before ?

Zest was €18 for a full Irish breakfast on Friday morning. I'm sure the tea was extra.

With the prices they charge for on board catering, it wouldn't matter if they didn't make a penny in any of the actual restaurants.

Plans to base combat jets at Shannon airport at annual cost of €100m (Irish Times)

Conor Gallagher

The Government’s planned acquisition of combat jets would cost between €60 million and €100 million a year, according to a preliminary analysis by defence planners.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said yesterday he is now “convinced” of need for Ireland to acquire combat jet aircraft” to “deter and detect” airborne threats as part of a massive increase in defence spending.

The Fine Gael leader made the remarks as he outlined plans to “aggressively” increase the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

He has requested Department of Defence officials to prepare costings, action plans and timelines for a tripling of Ireland’s defence budget, which would bring it in line with similarly sized small European Union countries.

The Irish Times has learned Defence Forces planners have already put together preliminary cost estimates for the acquisition of military jets for an “air policing” role designed to respond quickly to potential threats.

Under the proposals, the new air force would operate at least eight combat aircraft, the minimum number required to provide a 24/7 air policing capacity. However, ideally, it will possess between 12 and 14.

The aircraft will be based at Shannon Airport where they will share the runway with civilian aircraft. The runway at the Air Corps headquarters in Baldonnell, Co Dublin, is considered too short to accommodate combat jets.

A base in Shannon will also shorten response times and save on fuel as the aircraft are expected to mainly operate over the western approaches to Ireland.

Under these preliminary plans, the aircraft will be maintained by specialised civilian companies rather than Defence Forces technicians.

Initial training of pilots would almost certainly have to take place overseas.

The plan’s cost estimates range from €60 million to €100 million per year over between 20 and 25 years, a figure which includes the initial acquisition cost of the aircraft.

These estimates are dependent on the number and type of aircraft purchased and their eventual service life. They translate to total final costs of between €1.2 billion and €2.5 billion over the aircrafts' lifespan.

It is understood officials have also started examining the acquisition of fighter jets for the purpose of air safety regulation.

Mr Harris warned yesterday much has to happen before such aircraft can be acquired. This includes the installation of primary radar systems to detect airborne threats, a project which is ongoing and due to be completed by 2028.

Mr Harris said he was convinced of the case for an air combat-capable air force due to the “volatile” geopolitical environment.

“We’re living in a geopolitical environment that is volatile, that is different, and we have a lot of catching up to do.”

The military needs to be able to “deter and detect” threats. “I think there are sensible things for any modern European country to do, and in fact, I think it’s a very important step.”

The move will not affect Ireland’s “proud” policy of military neutrality, the Tánaiste said.

“There are no plans, ambitions or aspirations to change that. It’s valued by the Irish people. It’s valued by the Government of Ireland.

“But actually being militarily neutral doesn’t allow you recuse yourself from conversations about appropriate levels of investment in defence.”

No direct quotes but this is a more credible source then usual.

Noticed Girona has increased to 3 times weekly for s25

Lauda to Vienna this evening - I wonder is there any chance of a renewal, it never had a chance with Covid

I see AA should be taking delivery of its first A321XLR this month, I would love (selfishly) if they brought back the PHL route ex SNN.

Passenger numbers at Shannon Airport reach 15-year high as targets are exceeded:

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/business/1791434/passenger-numbers-at-shannon-airport-reach-15-year-high-as-targets-are-exceeded.html