Quadrupling the number of pilots trained in Ireland is a “huge opportunity” for the economy, the coathour of a report into the future of Irish aviation has said. 

Eamonn Brennan, former Director General of EUROCONTROL, described aviation as “central” to the Republic’s successful economy. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, Mr Brennan said this was particularly the case for foreign direct investment. 

“We have 37 flights per day to the United States,” he said. 

“Scotland has one, Wales don’t have any. 

“So, it shows that the linkages that we have with the Googles and [other US companies].”

An Aer Lingus plane on ground at Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Mr Brennan continued that many working in aviation feel the sector and its role in the economy has been “taken for granted” in recent years. 

“We had high unemployment in Ireland, we didn’t have all this FDI,” he said. 

“You quickly forget how you can revert back to that. 

“So, we believe there’s a need to look at aviation but look at it to develop it as a leader in sustainable aviation. 

“To actually make sure that we can make it happen.” 

Passengers wait in the terminal at Dublin Aiport with a Ryanair flight outside. Image: Alamy

The report also recommended that more pilots should be trained in Ireland. 

“There’s a huge opportunity to quadruple the amount of pilots trained in Ireland,” Mr Brennan said. 

“We’re recommending that pilot training be increased from 100 a year to 400. 

“Irish airlines can take all those 400 - that’s what will happen if the supply is there.” 

According to Our World In Data, aviation emits 2.5% of the planet’s carbon emissions, although just 10% of humanity’s population flies each year. 

Main image: Aer Lingus planes at Dublin Airport. Picture by: Alamy