Irish FBO Gets Makeover

 - August 11, 2015, 10:00 AM
Universal Aviation Ireland Shannon cuts the ribbon on renovated FBO. L-R: Sean Raftery, managing director of Universal Aviation UK and Ireland; Neil Pakey, CEO of Shannon Group; Rose Hynes, chairman of Shannon Group; Derek Collins, general manager of Universal Aviation Ireland Shannon; Craig Middleton, regional director for Europe, Middle East and Africa with Universal Aviation.

Universal Aviation has completed an overhaul of its FBO at Ireland’s Shannon Airport, which it has operated since 2003. Customer feedback shaped the renovation of the facility’s approximately 600-sq-ft departure lounge and its crew lounge, kitchen and operations offices. Shannon is the only European or Gulf-region airport to offer U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance, allowing private aircraft to proceed directly to their destination in the U.S., and as such it sees a large amount of business aviation traffic.

“Shannon is known for being an excellent tech stop but it is also an increasingly popular destination,” noted Sean Raftery, managing director Universal Aviation UK and Ireland. “This renovation is just the latest in our ongoing commitment and investment to enhancing our clients’ experience at strategically important locations throughout Europe and the world, whether through full ground handling facilities or highly customized supervisory services.”

“Universal Aviation is a key partner in the development of our Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation, said Neil Pakey, Shannon Airport’s CEO. “Universal’s new lounge is a high-quality and timely addition to the services available at the airport.”