Shannon Welcomes Increased Delta Air Lines Business

In a development, which confirms the strong market potential for transatlantic airlines at Shannon International Airport, Delta Air Lines today announced that it would commence a non-stop Shannon/New York JFK service in Summer 2007.  The service, was described by the airport’s management today as a major boost to the West of Ireland gateway and its hinterland.

Airport Director Martin Moroney said: "As we approach the end of another record-breaking year for Shannon, Delta’s plans to add a dedicated New York service in summer 2007 will help to ensure an even better traffic performance next year. We estimate that round-trip capacity on the Delta Shannon-New York service will treble to 134,000 seats. Delta’s decision to expand this service between Shannon and JFK is a timely one and augurs well for the future of the region and the airport.   We see it as recognition of the opportunity presented not only by the close economic ties between this region and the United States but also by the strong tourism market both into and out of the West of Ireland."

He added, "This development by Delta Air Lines represents a vote of confidence in the West of Ireland market and adds to our belief that Shannon will continue to play a key role in attracting visitors from the United States to the Western regions. The efforts of our marketing team has brought this development to fruition; this reflects our determination to grow traffic from all market segments in order to ensure that Shannon International Airport will have a hugely successful future and will continue to underpin the economy of the region."

Delta Air Lines is serving the Shannon market since 1986 and will celebrate its 21st year at Shannon in 2007.

ENDS.

13th October 2006

Further Information Contact:
Declan Power        
Marketing Manager      
Shannon Airport    
Tel: +353 (0)61 712403          
Email: Declan.power@shannonairport.com