1936
Service established to support early transatlantic aviation and flying boat operations.
90 years
2026 marks nine decades of continuous service and innovation.
400,000+
Flights handled annually through Ballygirreen operations.
700,000+
Operational aviation messages processed each year.
2,000 daily
Aircraft supported across the North Atlantic on a typical day.
24/7/365
Continuous communications service supporting safe oceanic operations.
Connecting continents, supporting safe flight
For 90 years, the North Atlantic Communications Centre at Ballygirreen has played a vital role in connecting aircraft, air traffic services and aviation partners across one of the world's busiest oceanic airspaces.
Established in 1936, the centre has evolved from supporting the pioneering flying boats of the transatlantic era to enabling safe, resilient communications for thousands of modern aircraft every day.
Located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ballygirreen is internationally known as Shannon Aeradio or Shanwick Radio and remains a strategically important communications centre for aircraft crossing the eastern half of the North Atlantic.
Connecting continents, supporting safe flight
Key milestones for the 90th anniversary timeline
1936
Shannon Aeradio established
The service began supporting the emerging era of transatlantic aviation, initially linked to flying boat operations and the Shannon/Foynes aviation story.1937
Support for early North Atlantic services
The service began supporting the emerging era of transatlantic aviation, initially linked to flying boat operations and the Shannon/Foynes aviation story.1940s–1950s
Growth of commercial aviation
As post-war commercial aviation expanded, the service evolved from early Morse-based communications towards increasingly sophisticated radio systems.1966
Shanwick arrangement formalised
An intergovernmental UK-Ireland agreement established the Shanwick partnership, with Ballygirreen responsible for aeronautical communications and Prestwick responsible for oceanic air traffic control.2001
Data link communications trials
Operational trials of satellite-based Controller Pilot Data Link Communications began, marking a significant step in the digital transformation of North Atlantic communications.2003
Alliance with ISAVIA
Ireland and Iceland formed an alliance for the joint provision of High Frequency radio services across major North Atlantic flight information regions.2006
Joint operations venture
Iceland Radio and Shanwick Radio Ballygirreen entered a joint operational venture, creating a virtual communications service across the Shanwick and Reykjavik/Sondrestrom Oceanic Areas.2009
In-house Radio Officer training
Ballygirreen commenced its first ab-initio Aeronautical Radio Officer training programme, developing future communications specialists in-house.2015
Cross-border communications centre
The Ireland-Iceland collaboration became fully operational, enabling a cross-border aeronautical communications centre model for the North Atlantic region.2020s
Modern high-density operations
Ballygirreen supports approximately 2,000 aircraft each day, handling over 400,000 flights and more than 700,000 operational messages annually.2026
90 years of continuous service
AirNav Ireland marks nine decades of North Atlantic communications from Ballygirreen, celebrating heritage, resilience, innovation and people.Connecting continents, supporting safe flight
Every day, AirNav Ireland helps connect Europe and North America by providing safe and efficient air navigation services across Irish-controlled airspace and the North Atlantic. From our air traffic controllers and engineers to our technical and operational teams, our people work around the clock to ensure aircraft can travel safely and seamlessly across some of the world's busiest air routes. Ireland's strategic location makes it a vital gateway between continents. AirNav Ireland manages the flow of aircraft arriving in and departing from Irish airports, while also guiding thousands of transatlantic flights through oceanic airspace each year. Using advanced communications, navigation and surveillance technologies, we help pilots navigate safely while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. Behind every flight is a team dedicated to keeping the skies safe. For 90 years, we have supported passengers, airlines, cargo operators and aviation partners by providing the essential services that enable global connectivity. As aviation continues to grow and evolve, AirNav Ireland remains committed to supporting safe, efficient and sustainable air travel for generations to come.
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The people behind the network
Behind every safe flight is a team of dedicated professionals working around the clock to keep Ireland connected to the world. For 90 years, generations of air traffic controllers, engineers, technicians, communications specialists, administrators and support staff have played a vital role in the safe and efficient management of air traffic. While technology has transformed aviation over the decades, it is the expertise, professionalism and commitment of our people that remain at the heart of our success. From guiding aircraft across the North Atlantic to maintaining critical infrastructure and supporting complex operations, their work helps ensure that millions of passengers reach their destinations safely every year. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we honour the people whose skill, dedication and teamwork have shaped our organisation's history and continue to inspire its future.
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NAC today
Supporting modern aviation
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Aeronautical voice communication
Supporting communications between aircraft and air traffic service providers.
Aeronautical data communication
Enabling modern digital communications across the North Atlantic.
Reliable infrastructure
Maintaining resilient systems through ongoing investment and innovation.
Transatlantic connectivity
Supporting Ireland's role as a key gateway between Europe and North America.
Looking to the future
As aviation continues to evolve, AirNav Ireland is focused on shaping the future of air navigation services through innovation, sustainability and operational excellence. Building on 90 years of experience, we are investing in advanced technologies, modernising infrastructure and developing the skills needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing aviation landscape. New technologies are transforming the way air traffic is managed, making flights safer, more efficient and more environmentally sustainable. From digital air traffic management systems and enhanced surveillance capabilities to data-driven decision making, automation and increased integration with European aviation networks, AirNav Ireland is embracing innovation to support the future needs of airlines, airports and passengers. Through our participation in international partnerships and programmes, we are helping to develop the next generation of air navigation services and shape the future of aviation across Europe. We are also committed to supporting the industry's sustainability goals by enabling more efficient flight routes, reducing delays and minimising environmental impacts wherever possible. Alongside investments in technology, we continue to invest in our people, recognising that expertise, collaboration and innovation are key to delivering safe and resilient services. While our history is a source of pride, our focus is firmly on the future. Guided by our people, ambition and commitment to excellence, AirNav Ireland will continue to connect Ireland with the world and play a leading role in the next chapter of aviation..