New DAA chief has central role

WITH TERMINAL 2 slated to open in November, the Dublin Airport Authority has introduced a new reporting structure for its various airport assets.

Bob Hilliard, previously director of Dublin airport, has been appointed as the DAA’s chief operating officer – a newly-created role within the State-owned airport management group. This gives Hilliard an overarching role for Cork and Shannon, as well as for the two terminals at Dublin airport.

The four people responsible for running these facilities on the ground will now report directly to Hilliard.

This might heighten concerns at Cork and Shannon that they will lose some decision-making powers locally. Cork and Shannon were to have been given their independence, but that plan was shelved by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey. A spokesman for DAA said the two airports had always reported to Dublin, which owns the assets and has ultimate responsibility for the airports.

Separately, reports that Ryanair might spread its wings to former Soviet Union countries appear to be premature.

The airline was reported to be in talks with Kharkov airport authorities in Ukraine and airports in Bulgaria. It was also listed as an attendee at a recent routes conference for Commonwealth of Independent States countries.

However, a Ryanair spokesman said it would be sticking to its knitting for now. “Ryanair continues to explore new opportunities with a large number of airports but has no immediate plans to expand outside of its core European and north African market.”