New board member Ulick McEvaddy - boss of one of the world's largest airline trading and leasing companies - is to raise the issue of Knock taking military flights with his fellow directors as a means of generating increased revenue for the Co Mayo airport.

"There is no reason why we can't take military flights, " one source close to the board said.

The source played down potential security concerns, stating: "It's an easy one to sort out."

The US military's use of Shannon Airport for its planes on the way to and from Iraq and Afghanistan has been the source of major controversy.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 US troops pass through Shannon every week, prompting regular protests at the airport.

There have also been claims - strongly denied by the US government - that the airport was used for CIA "extraordinary rendition" flights.

However, the business is enormously lucrative for Shannon airport, bringing in millions of euro every year.

McEvaddy, a Mayo native and former Irish army officer, has extensive contacts in the aviation and military sectors through the Washington-based company Omega Air, which he owns with his brother Des.

It emerged last year the company was bidding for a $600m contract to meet the aerial refuelling needs of the US air force.