Comment: Stobart, CityJet deal could create 'third force'

The smoke is clearing around the future direction of niche aviation players, writes Fearghal O’Connor.

CityJet chief executive Pat Byrne. Pic RollingNews.ie

Emergency services were placed on standby at Cork Airport this morning after an Aer Lingus Regional flight from Birmingham declared an emergency due to smoke in the cockpit. The flight, operated by Stobart Air, landed safely with all 63 people on board disembarking safely.

In aviation these things happen. Such are the stringent safety checks and cross-checks that a situation such as this is almost always quickly dealt with, fully investigated and later ...