2,000 people apply for 300 airport jobs

The figure emerged during the successful Airport Jobs Fair in Templepatrick on Monday night, which featured fourteen stands and attracted more than 1,000 people within the first hour.

Belfast International Airport Human Resources Manager, Jaclyn Coulter, said the event generated significant interest which indicates the value people attach to a wide range of jobs at the airport.

Ms Coulter said: “Check-in staff, baggage handlers, catering staff, security and apprenticeships were all to the fore during our first ever Jobs Fair. Interest was intense.

“We estimate that about 2,000 applications were lodged with airport companies. Many posts have already been filled – these are jobs that are actually being created and not merely promised or promoted.

“All of this is because the airport is enjoying tremendous growth with existing airlines ramping up activity and, of course, the imminent arrival of Ryanair which will open a new Northern Ireland hub.

“We had people who were unemployed alongside pupils from schools in west and north Belfast and Antrim who were checking out career possibilities with the companies represented at the three-hour fair.

“The 298 jobs announced so far will be followed by additional opportunities as passenger and airline activity increases. There’s a direct correlation between passenger growth and new job opportunities.

“The airport is making substantial progress and we believe that very positive trend will continue, all of which means we will be making further employment announcements in the near future.

“It’s also worth saying that none of the jobs currently being created depend on a penny of public support from the taxpayer. The Northern Ireland economy is the big winner as we move forward to expand operations as never before.”