10 UPDATE
Malta, three Polish routes, are axed R
yanair has cut its services from Belfast International Airport, including axing all three of its Polish destinations.
Europe’s biggest low cost carrier has discontinued
its fl ights to Gdansk, Warsaw and Wroclaw as well as fl ights to Malta.
The airline is also reducing the number of fl ights it operates from Belfast International to London Stansted and Manchester.
Ryanair said it was reducing its 2019 winter schedule at Belfast International Airport due to the “weak UK market” and again blamed UK Air Passenger Duty (APD).
APD is the tax charged on all passenger fl ights from UK airports and local airports and politicians
April/May 2019 Travel News Ryanair cuts back Belfast departures
have been trying repeatedly to get the duty lifted from Northern Ireland air services.
A consultation on APD in Northern Ireland formed part of the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) confi dence and supply deal with the Conservatives. The government has only committed to setting up a “technical working group” to examine APD. Ryanair’s chief commercial offi cer David O’Brien said: “Regrettably, at a time of high fuel costs, low fares, and a weak UK market, Ryanair’s Belfast services will be reduced, pending the abolition of APD in Northern Ireland.”
Flights to London Stansted and Manchester will reduce from three and two times daily to twice weekly services.
Dean McGlade and Katie Wilgar with other members of the City Airport Firefi ghting team
Firefi ghting apprentices land posts at Belfast City Airport
The lineup at the newly formed NI Travel Trade Golf Society NI Travel Trade Golf Society formed
THE inaugural outing for the Northern Ireland Travel Trade Golf Society took place at Rockmount Golf Club recently, with nine of the 16 members able to make it to the fi rst outing. The fi rst competition had favourable weather with Damien Murphy taking fi rst place, with Cliff Garland second and Cara Murphy, third.
Closet to the pin prize was taken by Catherine Featherston.
The Society, which has been formed by Neil Walker, Reliable Travel, and Bruce Cairns, Travel Counsellors.
Anyone interested in joining are asked to contact either Neil or Bruce.
According to Neill, monthly competitions will take place right through until September, but there will not be a monthly sponsor or a large membership. “We have 16 members at the moment, and probably would intend a cap of a round 24. We also have a number of lady golfers in our membership - indeed we had three of them playing at Rockmount.”
Anyone still interested in becoming a should contact Neill Walker or Bruce Cairns.
GEORGE Best Belfast City Airport has added two new fi refi ghters to its team following the successful completion of its ‘High Flyers Apprenticeship’ scheme. Katie Wilgar, aged 20 from East Belfast, and Dean McGlade, aged 23 from Carrickfergus, have become the latest recruits to fi nd employment with the Airport Fire Service after beating off tough competition from across Northern Ireland for the coveted spots. Commenting on her success, Katie said: “It is a dream come true to work with the Fire Service at Belfast City Airport. Each day brings a chance to do something diff erent and the sense of comradery amongst the team is an added bonus.
“I originally started studying for a degree in History at Ulster University but when the opportunity with Belfast City Airport came up, I knew I had to apply – I have always admired fi refi ghters and, due to a keen interest in aviation, have been fascinated with the role they play in keeping the airport and its passengers safe. “As an East Belfast native, the airport has always played a major part in my community and so it is
an honour to work in such an important role with a dedicated and welcoming team.”
The apprentices faced a range of training before passing through to become fully fl edged fi refi ghters, including a written assessment, fi tness test, and various courses such as the Chemistry of Fire.
Delighted with his appointment, Dean commented: “I wanted to be a fi refi ghter since I was young so being recognised by Belfast City Airport and off ered a full time place is a fantasy fulfi lled. “I joined the NIFRS Retained fi re service after leaving school at age 17, while also working in Toys R Us, and knew the industry was suited for me – the chance to do something practical that is also worthwhile and helps people doesn’t come around often!
“I am extremely grateful to the crew for their ongoing support and motivation, which has defi nitely helped me reach where I am today. I feel like a valued member of the team and am excited to see where my career takes me.”
Katie and Dean offi cially graduated from the programme at a passing out ceremony at Belfast City Airport, where they received certifi cation as an Airport Fire Fighter and a plaque of recognition in front of family and friends. Chief Fire Offi cer at Belfast City Airport, Seamus Mac Mahon, was responsible for overseeing the training of the apprentices. He added: “Belfast City Airport is passionate about supporting the local community, and the High Flyers Apprenticeship provides young people with a variety of transferrable and job-specifi c skills, helping them realise their potential and giving them the tools to succeed in the future.
“Both Katie and Dean have excelled during training, demonstrating the commitment and resilience needed to succeed in the emergency services. We are very proud to have them on the team and look forward to watching them grow throughout their careers.”
The High Flyers programme extends beyond the
fi refi ghting department to include two-year placements in administration, retail, human resources, and hospitality. Belfast City Airport works with leading business service provider, Seetec, to fi nd the ideal candidates for the role.
Passengers top 2m
JUST over two million passengers passed through Dublin Airport in February, a nine per cent increase over the same month last year. This is the fi rst time in the airport’s 79-year history that passenger numbers have surpassed two million in February, which is traditionally the quietest month of the year.
Passenger volumes to and from continental Europe increased by 12 per cent, as just under one million passengers travelled to and from European destinations in February. UK traffi c rose by four per cent when compared to last year as almost 765,000 passengers travelled to and from Britain. Passenger volumes to and from North America increased by 15 per cent, as more than 175,000 passengers travelled on this sector in February. Other international traffi c, principally on routes to and from the Middle East, North Africa and Pacifi c Asia regions increased by two per cent, as more than 62,000 passengers travelled on these routes in February.
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