On the subject of cargo, this is an area which the DAA never seems to have much of an interest in and given that exports will - as with the previous recession - lead the economic recovery, it would seem that there should be some investment by the DAA in air cargo facilities.
Very much agree with your sentiments on this point Akerosid - the folly of Irish government policy in failing to provide any assistance at all to the airlines after the recent ash crisis highlights the complete lack of respect for the hugely important role that the airlines play in underpinning and supporting Irish exports, both on a tangible and commercial basis.
However, we also need to remember that only a very small percentage or proportion of annual exports are carried by air traffic out of the country. Any main form of durables are taken over land and subsequently via ferry. That may be one of the reasons that the DAA don't show a huge interest in this regard. Perishables and perishable pharmaceutical products are the main products that are exported via air, with some other less common exceptions also.
However, as you say, airlines are vitally important to the Irish export economy.
Regards,
EI Premier