News Archive 2012
Waterford Airport disappointed at Aer Lingus Regional cessation of London and Manchester routes
November 2012
Waterford Airport has expressed disappointment at the decision of Aer Lingus Regional to discontinue their London Luton, Southend and Manchester services from early January 2013 and withdraw their base from Waterford at that time. The flights are operated by Aer Arann who began flying from Waterford in 2003.
Acknowledging that Aer Arann’s business problems have been well documented, Graham Doyle, CEO, Waterford Airport said: “We have been aware of Aer Arann’s difficulties since before their examinership in 2010 and continued to work with them through these challenges. Regrettably, however, the airline has limited its capacity on the Waterford routes. This has been due to issues elsewhere in their business rather than the market in the Southeast region with a population of almost 500,000.
“This has seen services reduced on the consistently high-performing London Luton route in favour of Southend Airport, whose owners are now also Aer Arann’s largest shareholder. The Southend route performed poorly by comparison so that even a major marketing push by Waterford Airport and our partners could not fully mitigate this switch.
“It is clearly a blow to have key UK routes withdrawn in these particular circumstances and is especially disappointing given that the Aer Lingus Regional brand was only introduced at Waterford as recently as late March of this year – just over seven months ago. We were delighted to be working with the Aer Lingus brand but our understanding is that the decision arises from the sale of an aircraft by Aer Arann that necessitates them further cutting their route network.
“As well as the potential impacts for airline and airport staff, we are very aware of the effect this development will have on business and leisure passengers in to and out of the Southeast,” he continued.
From an airport perspective, Mr Doyle said no effort is being spared to replace these routes for 2013 and beyond. “While it’s very early days, we are guardedly optimistic that the business case for operating between Waterford and these important destinations will be attractive to another airline, as proved to be the case when Flybe took up the Birmingham route after it was dropped by Aer Arann. We will also now liaise will all stakeholders including the Dept of Transport, Tourism & Sport as well as the State agencies concerned with inward investment and tourism - all of whom continue to work closely in support of the airport.
“The level of investment that there has been in tourism infrastructure in Waterford as well as the planned ‘Medieval Mile’ project in Kilkenny make it even more vital that we maintain and build on regular passenger services from our nearest neighbour and biggest trading partner.”
Flybe continues to operate from Waterford to Birmingham. A wide range of European destinations are also offered on single transaction booking from Waterford via Birmingham. Waterford Airport is the location for a busy Irish Coast Guard base operating from a purpose built facility while the airport also has an active general aviation business.
Further information about services at Waterford Airport is available at www.flywaterford.com
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Arrive to Perform in Ireland for the First Time
August 2012
The world famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company have touched down at Waterford Airport today (Thursday, August 9) to perform in Ireland for the first time at the Kilkenny Arts Festival this weekend 10-19 August.
The iconic international theatre company will be in Kilkenny to perform Shakespeare throughout the festival at the stunning outdoor venue The Castle Yard in Kilkenny to perform ‘As You Like It’, using a stage based on paintings and etchings from Shakespeare’s time.
For the third year running Waterford Airport have come on board to support Kilkenny Arts Festival in driving visitors to the South East. The festival commences tomorrow Friday, August 10 and it is expected that over 25,000 Irish and international visitors will attend the festival between from its opening until August 19.
Commenting on the partnership Graham Doyle CEO at Waterford Airport said, “We are delighted to welcome the cast of Shakespeare’s Globe into Waterford Airport, we have visitors from across our UK destinations travelling to the Arts Festival and it is wonderful to see the festival grow in popularity year on year and attract international audiences. The festival is a key tourism asset for the entire South East region.”
"Aer Lingus Regional is delighted to support this important festival by sponsoring return flights for Shakespeare's Globe on our London Southend to Waterford services. We wish the performers and all involved in the Kilkenny Arts Festival every success with this year's event" said Sean Brogan Aer Arann's Interim Chief Executive.
Commenting on the upcoming performance Artistic Director of Kilkenny Arts Festival Rosemary Collier said, “This performance is a very popular Shakespearean comedy, it really is a not to be missed opportunity to see Shakespeare’s Globe perform in Ireland. In ‘As You Like It’ Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando at a wrestling match, but her usurping uncle banishes her from court. Disguised as a boy, she seeks out her father and his friends in the Forest of Arden, and it’s there that she meets Orlando again... Filled with cross-dressing and love notes, poetry and brilliant conversation, satire, slapstick and passion.”
The internationally acclaimed festival of culture will showcase 10 days of theatre, music, visual art, literature, craft, children’s and street theatre.
Patrons are advised that the ‘As You Like It’ performances will take place outdoors and patrons are advised to come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather on the given day.
For full line up, performance clips see www.kilkennyarts.ie
London Southend Airport Holiday Inn on track for July 2012 opening
May 2012
Restaurant name and Head Chef revealed
London Southend Airport Holiday Inn on track for July 2012 opening
The stunning rooftop restaurant and bar at the new 4-star Holiday Inn Southend will be called the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar; a reference to the year that airport opened as a municipal airport for the public.
The hotel’s General Manager Steve Brazil says: “We were looking to reflect the heritage of the airport in various ways throughout the hotel and this is the first of several homages we will be making to the towns’ aviation history.”
The striking, fully sound-proofed venue atop the five-storey 4-star hotel is a first for Holiday Inn in the UK. Guests will be able to enjoy breath-taking views of the airport and surrounding countryside whilst enjoying drinks dinner. The 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has seventy covers and boasts a private dining room for ten and will be open for breakfast, dinner and Sunday lunch.
Its Head Chef will be Kieran Moore, whom brings both Michelin and international experience to Southend. As the UK celebrates the 2012 Olympics, Kieran himself has five gold medals and five silver medals which he has won over the years at the culinary Olympics.
The 49-year old father of three from Benfleet started his career at the legendary Eccentric Club (established 1890 in St James’, London) as a teenager. From there he worked at The Savoy for five years, before completing his training under Marcos Pierre White at the Michelin-starred Harvey’s for a further two years. Leaving his Essex roots, Kieran cooked all over the world including the USA, Australia, Middle East , Asia and a key member of the team opening all seven restaurants at Disneyland Paris. Returning to the UK, Kieran worked at the Merchant Tailor’s Hall in London and Lords Cricket Ground. He has also been in partnership with the world-renowned Raymond Blanc and established the Diamond Club at Arsenals’ Emirates Stadium - despite being a West Ham fan!
Kieran says: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the role of Head Chef at the new London Southend Airport Holiday Inn – it’s really exciting to bring all the experience I gained from my travels around the globe back home to Essex.”
He describes the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar menu as Classic British with a contemporary twist – highlights will include homemade Potted Shrimps and 12-hour Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder. Kieran adds: “I am really looking forward to creating a creative and exciting menu, using as many local, seasonal ingredients from suppliers here in Essex as possible. I am passionate about showcasing what fantastic things the county has to offer in order to create a memorable dining experience full of new textures and flavours. My aim is that the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar will become a well renowned restaurant, for airport visitors and people across the county.”
The striking 129-bedroom Holiday Inn Southend is the latest addition to the world-famous hotel chain’s portfolio and is set for completion by mid-July 2012 – in time for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Waterford Airport incident – June 5, 2012
June 2012
An aircraft was taxiing at low speed on the runway at Waterford Airport this afternoon prior to take-off when - while turning at low speed - one of its wheels came in contact with the grassed area alongside the runway.
The pilot then decided not to proceed as a precautionary measure. While the incident was minor in nature and not involving injury or damage, it will regrettably cause disruption to passengers this evening.
Fun at Waterford Airport's St. Patrick's Day Photocall
March 2012
St Patrick's Day Photocall - Behind the scenes:
We had great craic with our St. Patrick's Day photocall... shamrocks on approach to Waterford Airport... watch the fun here with our behind the scenes video.
