Topaz signs aviation deal

Irish fuel retailer Topaz has signed a deal with Shell Aviation that will see the company move into the aviation sector and create jobs in Dublin.

As part of the agreement, Topaz will buy a buy 50 per cent stake in Shell Aviation Ireland Limited, creating a joint venture to sell aviation fuel in Ireland.

The new firm will supply aviation fuels to Irish airlines and provide fuel supply and refuelling services to Shell’s international customers at Irish airports.

Topaz's chief operations officer Dr Frank Bergin said the firm saw good growth potential in the sector, and that the venture would create additional jobs in Dublin.

"It is a modest beginning but we are looking forward to developing our presence in this sector," he said. "While the aviation sector has had a challenging year we see the outlook improving markedly in the medium term.”

Shell Aviation said the joint venture in Ireland would strengthen its aviation network in Europe.