Airport distances itself from US aircraft speculation
Management at Knock Airport today distanced themselves from suggestions US military aircraft would be allowed to land there.
While they refused to rule out such a move, directors said permission for war planes to refuel at the airport would only be given with the full backing of the board.
Plans to give US military landing rights at Knock were raised by airline tycoon Ulick McEvaddy who joined the board 10 days ago.
Opening up the airport to war planes could earn it millions of euro.
But in a statement Ireland West Airport Knock said its priorities were to promote medium and long haul passenger flights, including transatlantic services, for people in the region and for US tourists.
"The airport board has made no decision to seek or commence services for US military aircraft.
Any such decision would only be taken in the light of the views of all board members," directors said.
They also stressed that Mr McEvaddy's comments were his personal opinion.
"No such proposal has been brought to the airport's board, and the subject has not been considered to date," the directors said.
"It is widely acknowledged that Mr McEvaddy is well known and respected within the aviation business worldwide, and this includes the US aviation and military business. Such a wealth of experience will be of tremendous value to the airport in its future development.
"If at some point in the future, the possibility of US military business arises, then Mr McEvaddy's views, together with those of all other members, will be taken into consideration and as always we will proceed on a consensus basis."
Mr McEvaddy is managing director of Omega Air which holds a valuable refuelling contract with the US military for planes landing at Shannon. He also has close ties to the aviation industry in America.
Knock Airport, however, could never compete with Shannon due to the limitations of the runway.
Between 3,000 and 5,000 US troops pass through there every week.
But the stopover is shrouded in controversy, with protesters claiming it is being used by the CIA for extraordinary rendition of suspected terrorists.
The planes are not searched or inspected by gardaí, as the Government accepts the assurances given by the US authorities that no prisoners are carried through Ireland.
