asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will endeavour to have Concorde training carried out at Shannon in view of the suitability of the airport for supersonic aircraft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Concorde Training.
11.
Aer Rianta are taking all steps open to them to attract additional crew training to Shannon, including training on the Concorde.
In view of the fact that Air France are already using Shannon as a distant point in their training—their training base is in Toulouse—could the Minister say if they have approached Air France with a view to using the airport because of its suitability?
Yes, British Airways and Air France, but neither of them have given any indication yet. Air France will not be interested because they do all their training at Marseilles which is over water and there would not be the same objections in regard to noise. British Airways generally do their training at Prestwick, and there may be objections about noise from residents. There are not the same objections at Shannon or Marseilles. I have followed this up through Aer Rianta and through my Department and so have the Department of Foreign Affairs, but there is no decision yet.
In view of the fact that BOAC have used Shannon for years for training—and we all know the reason why they had to leave— are they being encouraged to come back again, because they found it more suitable than Prestwick?
Yes, very strongly encouraged.