Security jobs boost for Belfast International

Forty new security jobs are to be created at Belfast International Airport as the opposition to air passenger duty (APD) takes another twist.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jan 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 19th Jan 2016, 09:24 BST
Belfast International is growing and could grow further with action on air passenger duty says Alan WhitesideBelfast International is growing and could grow further with action on air passenger duty says Alan Whiteside
Belfast International is growing and could grow further with action on air passenger duty says Alan Whiteside

The posts are being created by aviation security company ICTS, generating £650,000 in wages.

They are the first to flow from the arrival of Ryanair in March and the increase in seat capacity by existing airlines easyJet, Jet2, United and Wizz.

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Ryanair has announced it is to operate a service to Gatwick with the prospect of a number of other new routes.

Airport operations director Alan Whiteside said: “These are exciting times for Belfast International. What’s really good about these jobs is that they are being created at no cost whatsoever to the taxpayer.”

However, after Ryanair’s recent statement that new routes will depend on the Executive’s stance on APD and Belfast International MD Graham Keddie accused it of “bottling” the issue, Mr Whiteside said opposition to APD would not dissipate.

“It’s a pity those who drive job creation and investment don’t realise the important role the airport plays in re-balancing our economy.

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“I have no doubt that we could achieve even greater results if ministers grasped the nettle of APD and took steps to consign it to the bin.”

Stating that the jobs will bring its airport workforce to 250, ICTS operations director said: “It’s wonderful to be on a recruitment drive. Growth at the airport means greater demand for our professional aviation security services. It’s a win-win for all.”

Related topics:Ryanair