Seizing the Aviation Opportunity: Northern Ireland's Chance to Strengthen Its Aerospace and Aviation Sectors

Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald and industry stakeholders gathered at a KPMG roundtable discussion, exploring policy initiatives to boost the all-island sector's competitiveness, connectivity, and growth. The event was based on the landmark report "A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation," commissioned by Irelandia, which recommended five policy measures to enhance the sector's potential.

Key Takeaways:

• The report suggests abolishing airport passenger duty (APD) for flights from Northern Ireland to provide a uniform cost benefit for tourism and business across the island.
• The recommendation includes the commencement of flights from Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin as part of the public sector obligations (PSO) outlined in the New Deal New Approach agreement.
• The Aerospace Technology Institute, Enterprise Ireland, and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund could develop world-class aviation projects on the island, and create a strategic engine overhaul facility in Derry or Shannon airports.
• Minister Caoimhe Archibald emphasized the importance of connectivity in economic development, highlighting its role in increasing FDI, tourism, and opportunities for indigenous businesses.
• Johnny Hanna, KPMG partner, proposed the development of a major world-class aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility to create highly paid jobs and leave a legacy for generations to come.
• Dr. Dec Ryan, executive chair and founder of Irelandia, urged policymakers to prioritize and enact the report's recommendations to strengthen and broaden the foundations of the Irish aviation industry.

Statistics:

• The report mentions the potential creation of "many thousands" of highly paid jobs through the development of a major world-class aircraft MRO facility.
• The Aerospace Technology Institute, Enterprise Ireland, and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund's proposed projects could potentially develop world-class aviation projects on the island.
• The KPMG roundtable discussion hearing from industry leaders and stakeholders aimed to explore ways to grow the aviation sector across the island.

Sources:

• "A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation" report by Joe Gill and Eamonn Brennan
• By Johnny Hanna, partner in charge at KPMG in Northern Ireland
• Statement by Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald
• Statement by Dr Dec Ryan, executive chair and founder of Irelandia