This week further expansion will take place at Waterford Airport with the return of flights to sun destinations like Malaga in Spain, Faro in Portugal and Bordeaux in France. This is very positive for Waterford and the south east region.
The launch of a new route to Amsterdam is also a great boost for the airport. It means that it will open up a new option for travellers wishing to do long journeys and connect with flights travelling to other parts of Europe, Asia or even North America with Dutch airline KLM.
A record number of passengers will pass through Waterford this summer and marks a most successful year for the airport. The management and board are to be congratulated for their work in bringing the airport this far.
Aer Arann are also to be praised for taking the risk in running the flights this summer and getting behind the airport.
Getting the planning in for the runway is now a great priority. The Government in principal have given the money but planning submissions have yet to be made.
There is hope and a goal that in two years time the new runway capable of handling mid range jets will be operational, all going well.
Visitors to the Airport will see many changes as they drive out along the road, they will see many improvements as the tarmac is laid on the road linking up to the new Ring Road in Killure, where a new 4-Star hotel is planned. Again this would be very positive.
The national news on the economy may be a little downbeat, but here in the south east there are many welcome announcements, such as this one on the airport.
Traffic is growing at the airport, as people choose Waterford over Dublin and Cork, the new routes will add further to this trend.