Even debt free, what have SNN actually gained? FR replaced EIR on a few UK routes, the EI trials of CDG and FAO are gone. Other than a cargo service from TK, not a lot has been achieved.
If people are looking at facts, rather than political spin, separation makes no difference
This is quite a pessimistic view, and a little unfair I think. There have been a number of successes which are worth noting.
On the network side...
1. FR have added 7 new routes, 6 of which are Continental European routes.
2. EI have added AGP, FAO and ACE; BOS has been extended to a year-round operation and the JFK service has also been extended
3. UA has extended the ORD operating season
4. EIR service to BHX has been secured for S15
5. TK have added cargo services
Non-network related developments include:
- Transaero has increased its maintenance operation at the airport
- Increased marketing efforts (which have extended as far as Cork)
- The launch of other revenue-generating initiatives, including a controlled set-down area and a re-design of the retail area
It would be unreasonable to expect any sweeping changes. Ultimately, the market is what it is. While a new service to a European hub airport (AMS or CDG) would be a big win, it has been proven time and time again that it is incredibly difficult to make Euro city routes work out of SNN. I have no doubt that the airport is doing all it possible can to secure such a service, but at the same time we need to be realistic. Anything other than the long-standing UK, US and Spanish routes will be a challenge.
For small airports like SNN and ORK, gradual, sustained, progress is what really matters. There will never be one single event that will make us say "yes, the separation has clearly been a success". What we do know, however, is that the progress made to date has been largely positive, and we should commend the airport for that, rather than adopting a very pessimistic view of the situation.