From Agriculture to Aero Engines….

Shannon’s freighter charter activity in the closing weeks of the year has demonstrated the key role played by the Western airport in facilitating Irish exporters, particularly to distant markets served by wide-body aircraft. The importance of Ireland’s largest indigenous industry- agriculture, is often overlooked in air transportation but Shannon’s investment in a modern, E.U.-approved Border Inspection Post in recent years has resulted in increasing levels of airfreight activity in the livestock & bloodstock sectors. Cattle to Africa, bloodstock to and from the U.S.A. and a the first of four consignments of breeding pigs, each consisting of approximately 850 animals, boarded a variety of African, Turkish and Russian aircraft at Shannon in recent days.

A B747 freighter also dropped in during the week to uplift a somewhat higher-tech payload- aeronautical engines en-route to Toronto.

According to Eugene Pratt, Industry Affairs and Cargo Manager, Shannon’s 3,200 metre runway, unrestricted operational conditions and first class handling facilities continue to enhance its reputation internationally as “Ireland’s long-haul air cargo gateway” and a 5% increase in flown volumes- to over 31,000 tonnes, is expected for 2006.

ENDS

19th December 2006

Further Information Contact:
Eugene Pratt           
Shannon Airport    
Tel: +353 61 712352          
Mobile: +353 87 2453865      
Email: Eugene.pratt@shannonairport.com