Killian Whelan, chief executive of Sim Local: ‘There are 300 million intercontinental travellers who fly every year. That’s the size of the market for us.’ Picture: Fergal Phillips
“There are 300 million intercontinental travellers who fly every year,” Whelan said. “That’s the size of the market for us.” The Enterprise Ireland-backed firm was badly affected by Covid-19, with air travel grounded as a result of restrictions imposed in countries around the world. The company’s sales dipped as low as 5 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, and it was not clear how quickly the situation would correct itself. It was, Whelan said, a “horrific” period for the business.
For Sim Local, the development represents a big opportunity, Whelan explained, because it can work with operators to create e-sims for international travellers and make it easier for them to get a local sim in the country they’re travelling to.