Bangor’s Riding for the Disabled Association has been a recent recipient of funding from George Best Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund. Youngsters from Clifton Special School in the town, who attend a weekly horse riding session at Birr House Riding School in Holywood, are already benefiting from the purchase of a large double mounting block, which significantly improves the safety of the children when getting on and off the horses. Bangor Riding for the Disabled is part of a UKwide organization that aims to provide disabled people with the opportunity to learn to ride horses and ponies in order to benefit their health and well-being.

The Bangor group has the support of over 10 volunteers who help facilitate the horse riding session every Wednesday. The focus of the group’s work is to ensure that each individual child has the chance to develop a sense of achievement and increase their self-confidence through contact with the animals. Stephen Patton from the airport recently paid a visit to a Riding for the Disabled session to see how the children were getting on and told us: ‘It was great to see firsthand how the mounting block has helped improve the safety of the children during their riding sessions. The enjoyment that the children get out of the classes is clearly evident and this is what makes our Community Fund such a rewarding initiative.’

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Flybe has confirmed that it will be the first airline in the UK to be able to fly within the new CAAapproved safe levels of volcanic ash. This development follows the CAA’s call for airlines to work with aircraft and engine manufacturers and the Met Office to understand how ash tolerance levels could be improved, without any compromise on safety. Flybe initiated work with Pratt and Whitney Canada (engine manufacturers), Bombardier (aircraft manufacturers) and the UK Met Office to help design a specific model applicable to Flybe aircraft. This led Flybe being able to present a comprehensive Safety Case to the CAA.

Welcoming the news, Flybe’s Chief Executive, Jim French said: ‘The CAA called upon the industry to bring forward thoroughly researched proposals to safely improve the ability to fly in the vicinity of low level volcanic ash concentrations. ‘Flybe’s overriding concern is always safety, and these new rules arise from a proven process of safety management within the company and the industry which helps make air travel the safest form of public transport. In issuing its new guidance, Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of the CAA noted:

‘The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today reports a positive outcome from discussions with airlines, regulators, and aircraft and engine manufacturers resulting in new measures to reduce airspace closures. UK airline Flybe is the first to achieve this.’

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Added to money raised at its other 13 bases, Flybe, the UK’s Number One domestic airline, raised over £150,000 for its charity partner. The amount raised by Flybe during this first year of supporting Cancer Research UK went far beyond expectations and included that donated by generous on-board contributions of passengers both on World Cancer Day 2009 and during the month of June, as well as funds raised by Flybe staff at the airline’s 14 bases throughout the UK from a wide variety of innovative fundraising events and sponsored activity. Jim French, CBE, Flybe’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be able to contribute to the enormously vital work that Cancer Research UK does towards beating cancer.

Our staff and passengers have given generously both their time and money over the past 12 months and as our partnership with the charity continues, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to raising these vital funds for this well-deserving cause.’

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George Best Belfast City Airport made history recently as it put the recent ash disruption behind it to welcome a record 11,900 passengers through its terminal. The record breaking news follows provisional statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority that show Belfast City Airport saw the biggest passenger increase of any major UK airport handling 256,708 passengers in March – a 22.7% increase on the same month in 2009.

Whilst many airports have witnessed a 10% decline in passenger numbers over the last year, management believe that the continuing private investment in facilities at the airport is having a positive impact on passenger numbers. Thanking passengers for their continued custom Katy Best, Business Development Director at Belfast City Airport, told ‘City Life’: ’These remarkable figures can be attributed to a close working relationship with our partner airlines/companies and our continuing research and investment aimed at enhancing customer service. We listen to what our customers want and respond accordingly.

‘We’d like to thank all our passengers for their support in making Belfast City Airport the incredible success it is and we will continue to listening and responding to their needs.’ In the last 12 months the airport has: Opened a new £6million departures terminal providing 60% additional retail space; Invested £750,000 in new car parking and front of house facilities; Significantly reduced queuing at security with an investment in the latest technology to speed the journey through security; Opened a fast track lane through security for business customers.

Recent additions to the route portfolio have included easyJet services to London Luton and flybe to Humberside

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Féile an Phobail is celebrating its 22nd year with its biggest arts showcase to date, delivering some 250 events at 80 venues right across Belfast. If you’re looking for the potential highlights then there are plenty to choose from. Acts due to appear range all the way from the Russian Philarmonic Orchestra right through to 80s icons ABC (who will perform tracks from their classic ‘The Lexicon of Love’ album) and local hero Damien Dempsey. Interests other than music? Then there’s a special Comedy Night, a Carnival Parade and even the chance to watch some movies from your car (at the drive-in). It’s time to get the festive feeling and book ahead for some great entertainment coming your way this summer. July 30th – August 9th 2010 Telephone: 02890 313440 Email: info@feilebelfast.com www.feilebelfast.com

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Waving Oonagh off was the airport’s Chief Executive, Brian Ambrose, who firmly endorsed the city’s bid, which will be submitted in Manchester. Mr Ambrose said: ‘Everyone associated with Belfast City Airport wishes the Derry- Londonderry bid team every success in a bid which has captured the imagination not only of the north-west but the region as a whole. ‘The incredible boost to tourism that a winning bid would bring to the region cannot be under-estimated. ‘Belfast City serves every major airport in the UK and is ready to play its part in welcoming visitors in 2013.’

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Neil Mercer, Colin Coomber and Gareth Henry of Belfast City Airport fire and Rescue Service have put their best foot forward for Concern Worldwide. The three fire fighters recently took on the 26.2-mile Belfast Marathon in aid of the charity.

Supported by their crew, the fire fighters ran a half marathon in the airport terminal to give their fundraising efforts one last push before the big day and managed to raise over £1700! Deirdre Murphy from Concern told ‘City Life’: ‘We are overwhelmed by the efforts made by Belfast City Airport to raise funds for Concern Worldwide. In running, the fire fighters supported Concern Worldwide’s work fighting hunger and poverty in the poorest countries in the world and we can guarantee that the money raised will be put to incredible use.’

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