REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A LUNCHEON RECEPTION IN THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, SEATTLE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A LUNCHEON RECEPTION IN THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, SEATTLE, WEDNESDAY, 25 MAY, 2005
Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is good to be in your company at this business lunch, hosted by Enterprise Ireland and the Seattle Trade Alliance. We are here to build the friendships and the business between us which underpin the strong and growing relationship between Irish companies and the aerospace sector in Seattle. For Ireland, this is a valuable opportunity to showcase our capability in the aerospace sector and explore the potential for mutually beneficial business. I know that you have all been working hard with Minister Ahern earlier today doing precisely that.
Eighty six years ago next month Alcock and Brown, those great pioneers of aviation, put Ireland on the world’s aviation map when they dropped out of the sky on to Derrygimlagh bog, near Clifden in Connemara on our beautiful West Coast. It was the start of a very healthy relationship between Ireland and transatlantic aviation.
A decade and a half later, Charles Lindbergh characterised Ireland in aviation terms as “one of the four corners of the world” because of its strategic importance in servicing the transatlantic routes between North America and Europe. His words virtually coincided with the establishment of Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national carrier which saw a new era dawn in Ireland’s aviation expertise.
Today, More than 70 years on, Lindbergh’s words are still valid. Ireland’s location on the periphery of Europe, its closeness to major international airports, and its long and proud tradition in aviation, have all combined to make Ireland a strategic base for world airlines and a growing international centre for the aerospace industry.
The development of a world-class aviation and aerospace services industry has the fullest support of the Irish Government as a key industrial development objective. The industry is a vibrant and dynamic one, and consists of more than 160 companies, both Irish-owned and multinationals. They are based mainly in Dublin and Shannon and employ between them over 5,500 skilled personnel. The industry is highly export oriented, with over 90% of companies active in overseas markets. Continuous research and development is supported by Irish government and European Union programmes. Enterprise Ireland plays a pivotal role in the support and development of this sector and its customers.
The Irish aviation industry offers its international customers a wide range of services, from maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft, engines and components to airline call centres and financial services. It includes the development of software and telecommunications for space contracts. There is also a growing segment working on such contracts and we are anxious to achieve further advances in this particular sector.
Despite the difficult world wide trading conditions of recent years, Ireland’s aviation and aerospace industry has done remarkably well and faced up to the challenges in a pragmatic way. The industry is committed to making Ireland a European Centre of Excellence for aerospace companies with a strong emphasis on R & D, marketing, company development and the encouragement of further inward investment.
Ireland’s aviation support services take pride in offering a competitive, sophisticated efficiency, with turnaround times being a vital selling point. Companies are lean, flexible and customer focused. As the aerospace industry develops worldwide, Irish aviation companies have the experience to work in partnership with airlines in establishing and implementing the most modern business practices.
The strength and continued growth of Ireland’s aviation industry mirrors the success story of the Irish economy as a whole. Ireland continues to be one of the leading economic growth performers in the industrialised world. In recent years, our average annual growth rate was more than three times that of EU and OECD countries and is forecast to remain one of the highest in the world.
I want to assure you that our aviation companies have the capability to operate on the global stage. They have the track record of servicing top name multinational companies in Ireland and abroad. They also have the quality credentials of one of the highest levels of ISO 9000 accreditation in the world. They offer service, flexibility and customisation. Above all, they are committed to the development of long-term strategic relationships with their customers.
In conclusion, can I say that I am delighted to be here today with key executives from both the Irish and US aerospace industries. I wish you continued success as you explore partnering opportunities with some of Ireland’s leading aerospace companies. Enterprise Ireland can help you connect with these companies and indeed with many more in Ireland across various industry sectors. But as in so much of human endeavour, person-to-person matters, cultural compatibility matters and trust based on experience matters. That is why shared lunches like this matter and why we value the time and effort you have put in to being here and taking part.
Thank you and every success to each of you.