Aer Lingus Announces Transatlantic Winter Schedule

Aer Lingus today announced details of its winter schedule from Shannon airport. From the end of October Aer Lingus will operate daily direct flights from Shannon to Boston, daily direct flights from Shannon to New York and daily flights to Chicago via Dublin.

Speaking at the announcement Aer Lingus Commercial Director, Enda Corneille said, “Today’s announcement reaffirms Aer Lingus’ commitment to Shannon airport and indeed our customer base in the West of Ireland. Under the new Open Skies agreement we see great potential and continued opportunity for Shannon airport. We have taken delivery of one of our two new long haul aircraft, giving us the leverage to expand our operation into North America and to serve new US cities for the first time. This is a very exciting time for our customers and staff and a new era in the development of the airline.” 

Mr. Martin Moroney Airport Director at Shannon, commenting on the Aer Lingus statement, said “Aer Lingus has built up a significant year-round market on transatlantic routes at Shannon over a long period and we welcome this most recent commitment by the company to its South and West of Ireland business”. He stated that the Airport Authority is making every effort to ensure that year-round service is maintained by offering reduced airport charges to transatlantic carriers during the winter ‘off-season’ schedule and by investing in a new US Customs and Border Protection Facility. He expected Aer Lingus to continue as the major provider of transatlantic capacity at Shannon and he looked forward to a long-term partnership with the Irish long-haul carrier. However he pointed out both the loyalty of the regional business and travel community as well as a substantial tourism promotional campaign in the US would be key elements in Shannon’s success.

ENDS

29th May 2007

For further details contact: