20 October 2024
Dublin, Ireland – 20 October 2024 – AirNav Ireland is proud to mark two significant milestones: the first anniversary of its establishment and the celebration of International Day of the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) on 20October, 2024. These events highlight a year of remarkable progress, underscoring AirNav Ireland’s unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in air traffic management.
Since its official launch in October 2023, AirNav Ireland has safely handled nearly 1 million flights through Irish airspace. This significant achievement reflects the organisation’s dedication to ensuring safe and efficient skies, even as air traffic continues to increase with the resurgence of global travel. Through careful planning and collaboration, AirNav Ireland has not only maintained the highest safety standards but has also laid the foundation for long-term operational growth.
In the past year, AirNav Ireland has expanded its team, welcoming 27 students into our Student Controller Programme and hiring 10 engineers to enhance its operational capabilities. These additions represent a vital investment in the future of Irish aviation, as they are integral to maintaining and improving the robust systems that support the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
At AirNav Ireland, our controllers handle complex and dynamic situations daily, adapting to rapidly changing conditions such as weather, air traffic demand, and technical challenges. The precision and expertise required for this role make ATCOs an integral part of the aviation ecosystem. Their work is essential not just for the safety of passengers and crews, but also for the smooth operation of the global air traffic network.
“Celebrating our first anniversary alongside International Day of the ATCO is a proud moment for all of us at AirNav Ireland,” said Dr. Peter Kearney, CEO of AirNav Ireland. “It’s a chance to reflect on our achievements, including the safe handling of nearly 1 million flights and the addition of talented air traffic controllers and engineers to our team. We’re extremely proud of their contributions, and they are key to our continued success. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s a responsibility we all share—whether you’re guiding flights in the control tower or working behind the scenes in our corporate offices.”
Looking to the future, AirNav Ireland is set to embark on an ambitious recruitment drive aimed at building a future-ready workforce to support its growing operations. “We recognise the importance of attracting new talent as the aviation landscape evolves, and we will be intensifying our recruitment efforts in the coming year to meet the changing needs of the industry,” Dr. Kearney added. “Our goal is to ensure that we have the expertise, technology, and systems in place to continue delivering world-class air traffic management services for decades to come.”
This dual celebration of AirNav Ireland’s first anniversary and International Day of the ATCO is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to excellence, as it continues to innovate and adapt in the dynamic aviation industry.