Traffic Up 13% At Ireland West Airport Knock In 2008

Notwithstanding massive challenges within the aviation industry in the last twelve months, Ireland West Airport Knock's latest traffic figures prove that 2008 was its busiest year yet.

In 2008, the annual number of passengers using Ireland West Knock increased by over 73,000 passengers to 629,000 - an increase of 13% on 2007.

The Airport predicts that the current economic conditions will continue to influence travel patterns in 2009 but that due to its expanded network of 10 scheduled destinations in the UK and Ireland and the introduction of new charter holiday operators, the Airport expects to grow passenger levels by a modest 1% - 3% in 2009.

Growth in 2008 stems from Ireland West Airport Knock's scheduled route development throughout the year, with the addition of two new scheduled services to the UK including Glasgow International with bmibaby and a daily service to Liverpool with Ryanair. 

In 2009, Ireland West Airport Knock will continue to build on the range of services provided at the Airport with the introduction by Aer Lingus of a London Gatwick service commencing in April 2009 as well introducing new Thomas Cook tour operator brands, Panoram and Sunworld, to the Airport's tour operator portfolio in summer 2009 when they commence a holiday charter programme to Faro, Portugal.

The Airport will offer 13 European sun, ski and pilgrimage destinations in 2009 with tour operators and travel partners Concorde Travel, Falcon JWT, Sunway, Joe Walsh Tours, PC Promotions, Panorama and Sunworld, and build on its winter ski program with Topflight.

New flights and holidays are also available with Swiss Tour Operator Falcontravel Travelhouse to Zurich in Switzerlan bookable through local travel agents.

This year will also see the completion of a number of significant civil and building projects at the Airport. 

The implementation of Category II Instrumentation Landing Systems (CAT II ILS) will enhance the reliability of the Airport in poor weather and low visibility conditions and is due for completion in February 2009. 

The new €5.5 million terminal extension will be complete in March 2009, doubling the existing check-in area, security screening and departures lounges while offering new retail, catering and other facilities for passengers to enjoy.

Later in the year, a substantial extension to the apron (aircraft parking area) is planned to meet increased passenger and aircraft traffic, whilst enhancements and expansions to the car parks and road access ar designed to accommodate the new Bus Éireann scheduled services to be introduced early in 2009.

Robert Grealis, CEO, Ireland West Airport Knock said: "We are committed to continuing to strive for growth whilst remaining focussed on overcoming the difficult economic conditions we face in 2009."