Airline traffic crossing the north Atlantic relies on communications services based in County Clare.
Every year the lives of over 112 million passengers depend on the decisions and skills of radio operators in Ballygirreen, County Clare and air traffic controllers in the Shannon Area Control Centre.
In 2006 Shannon Aeradio based at Ballygirreen in County Clare celebrated its 70th anniversary. This unique service in Irish aviation uses High Frequency (HF) or shortwave radio. It provides the only contact with 90% of world airlines flying beyond radar and VHF coverage over the north Atlantic.
Head of Aeronautical Communications Harry O'Loughlin explains how the service works. Once a plane goes beyond the cover of radar, which only extends to the horizon, an alternative means of air traffic control provision is needed. This service is provided by Ballygirreen,
We can provide the global coverage beyond the range of radar.
Shannon Aeradio, Ballygirreen communicates with 1250 transatlantic flights a day. It works in conjunction with air traffic control. As soon as flights pass a point 240 miles from the Irish coast, air traffic controllers at Shannon hand them on to the radio operators at Shannon Aeradio in Ballygirreen.
General manager of Shannon Area Control Centre Donie Mooney is proud that Shannon Area Control Centre has gone from being a green field in the early 2000s and is now
At the leading edge of aviation technology from an air traffic control point of view.
Shannon Aeradio and Shannon Area Control Centre are not only at the leading edges of their professions, they also play a central role in world aviation. Both operations have outstanding reputations internationally and they are now beginning to gain wider recognition at home.
A 'Nationwide' report broadcast on 22 July 2007. The reporter is Diarmuid Peavoy.
