Joe Gill

In a business exposed to pandemics and geopolitical threats, the risk of taking on debt is higher for airlines. This has consequences for their shareholders, whether they are governments or stock-market investors.

We have drawn deeply from the FDI well for decades, and in doing so have allowed dependence – and a degree of complacency – to obscure a fundamental weakness in our industrial policy.

Three years after Covid grounded global aviation, airlines are flying higher than ever. For Ireland, that recovery brings both opportunity and urgent policy choices.

The lines between long- and short-haul, trunk and point-to-point routes are blurring as more efficient jets redefine the economics of each seat – and the rules of competition.

The C919 is Beijing’s bold attempt to break into commercial aviation. With lessons learned from cars, ships and trains, China has shown scale and patience — but the Airbus-Boeing duopoly won’t be easy to unseat.

The $28.2 billion takeover of Air Lease Corporation by a SMBC-led consortium marks one of the biggest shifts in global aircraft leasing — and firmly places Dublin at the heart of the industry’s future.

Enough of reviews and policy updates. It is time for Ireland to prioritise 10 actions that would generate lasting positive impact from the industry throughout the country.

Ireland’s competitiveness could suffer if passenger limits at Dublin Airport are not urgently addressed.

Aircraft leasing is one of Ireland’s greatest economic success stories, but global competition is heating up. To stay ahead, policymakers must double down on what works.

In 2023, the maintenance, repair and overhaul market globally was valued at $25 billion and is growing at a compound annual growth rate of three to five per cent. Here is a plan for how Ireland can boost its presence in this area.