IAA announces record profits in 2004
The Irish Aviation Authority today announced record profits before tax of €9.6m, up from €5.9m the previous year.
This announcement was made on the same day as the IAA's new air traffic management (ATM) system and centre at Dublin Airport.
The IAA is the semi state body which regulates Irish aviation safety standards and provides air traffic control services in Irish controlled airspace. IAA revenue primarily comes from charging aircraft that pass through Irish controlled airspace.
IAA turnover increased in 2004 by 12.6% to €124.5m, up from €110.6m in 2003.
Almost 80% of turnover is revenue from aircraft that did not land in Ireland, but used Irish airspace en route to other destinations. Overall, this traffic increased by 3.7% to 262,860 movements in 2004.
IAA Chairman Donal Geaney said: "The Authority recorded a significant improvement in its financial performance during 2004. This is in no small part due to the dedication and professionalism of management and staff, in particular for their delivery of the ATM systems upgrade on time, to specification and within budget."
The new ATM system, known as CAIRDE 2000, is part of the IAA's €115m national programme to upgrade Ireland's controlled airspace radar and flight planning management systems.
The Irish Aviation Authority was established as a commercial state body in 1994. The IAA employs about 650 staff at six locations throughout Ireland.
