Munster Express Online

Waterford Airport’s VLM routes to London Luton and Birmingham, having started well with ‘steadily improving load factors’, requires public custom to ensure the Killowen facility’s immediate-term viability.
Writing in the Airport’s 2014 Annual Report, Waterford Airport Chairman Dan Browne happily refers to VLM’s commitment “to operating both services through the winter 2015/2016”.
Mr Browne adds: “But both routes must be supported by the community in the region in order to develop and thrive, and thereby continue to operate from Waterford.”
His statement continues: “Although Waterford Airport received both OPEX and Capex funding from the Department of Transport in 2014, it made a small loss (of €8,015). The Capex funding received was specifically allocated to the upgrade of key safety and security elements at the Airport, in accordance with Irish and EU regulations.
“Planning permission was approved to extend the runway by 150m to the south. Preparatory planning and design are on-going with a view to starting civil works by the end of 2015. The project has also been facilitated by the successful conclusion of the (Compulsory Purchase Order) in late April 2015 of lands at the southern end of the airfield. Finance to construct the runway must be raised locally and regionally in accordance with EU regulations.”
As of December 31st 2014, turnover at Killowen came to €1,884,087 (2013: €1,919,783) with gross profit last year standing at €1,315,003 (2013: €1,280.124), with the balance at the end of 2014 coming to €400,098 (2013: €392,897). Meanwhile, cash in hand (or the bank) came to €2,381,380 last year, compared to the 2013 figure of €1,951,08, an increase of €528,574.
However, the capital grant received by the Airport last year totalled €699,467, considerably less than the 2013 tally of €1,024,684, while its Department of Transport operating subvention also fell, from €1,121,399 in 2013 to €1,038,784 last year.
Monies owed to debtors last year fell by €71,000 on the 2013 figures, with monies paid to trade debtors coming to €156,281, a significant decrease on the previous year’s payments, which tallied €346,937.
Staffing numbers at the airport were reduced by one post on the 2013 tally, with 29 people working at the facility last year (Administration: 4, Operations staff: 25).
Dan Browne’s statement concludes: “Waterford Airport remains a vital piece of economic and social infrastructure for both the people of Waterford and the Southeast Region. The recent improvement in air links into the UK has once again confirmed this, and will ensure that both family, social and business connections as well as tourism can develop and can be further enhanced and strengthened in the months and years to come.”
Waterford Airport’s figures were audited by Pricewaterhousecoopers.