Ireland West Airport Knock has announced the resignation of its chairman Liam Scollan, after 11 years with the airport in various roles, including Managing Director from 2002 to 2009, and most recently Chairman of CADCO, the airport’s operating company for the past four years.
During his time with the airport it has grown to become an international airport with over 25 UK and European destinations. It has experienced significant passenger growth and in 2012 it had the busiest year in its history with over 685,000 passengers and major international airlines, including Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus Regional, Ryanair, Flybe and Lufthansa, now part of its customer base.
The airport also completed an infrastructure transformation including the construction of the new departures terminal; airfield security fencing; and the installation of a modern instrument landing system that has resulted in a substantial reduction in weather related diversions, all of which have made the airport one of the most reliable, efficient and friendly airports in Europe.
During his tenure as chairman of the airport, Mr Scollan worked tirelessly to position the airport as a key strategic infrastructure asset for the region it serves, and to secure its future with Government as part of the national aviation landscape.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Scollan said: “I believe the time is right to move on. I have given eleven years of leadership to the Airport and was very fortunate to oversee tremendous growth. I have always believed there is a time to move on in life and hand over to other capable people.
“I look forward to putting fresh energy and leadership into new ventures in the period ahead. I would like to thank the Board and management and staff for their support over the past eleven years and I wish to thank all of the airlines, the people of the region and the almost 700,000 passengers that make the airport such a success.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board and Trust of the Airport, former Airport Chairman and member of the Trust, Joe Kennedy said: “We wish to acknowledge and thank Mr Scollan for his very significant contribution, dedication and commitment to the airport over the past eleven years. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Mr Scollan is an experienced business practitioner and has served on a number of Boards in the region. Prior to joining Ireland West Airport Knock, he was Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission for four years and prior to that held senior positions in economic development in the UK. He plans to pursue a number of business development activities, and pursue numerous business and personal activities.
