No return for Cork-Dublin service as Aer Lingus adds transatlantic routes

Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Müller has ruled out ever operating a flight between Dublin and Cork again, crushing the hopes of tech businesses hoping to capitalise on the new Dublin to San Francisco route.

Following the announcement of the San Francisco route, the CEO of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy, said he welcomed the route but called for a feeder connection from Cork.

“The reinstatement of the Dublin/San Francisco flight is very welcome news but the reintroduction of connecting flights between Cork and Dublin is vital to facilitate onward connectivity for Cork-based businesses. The Cork region has an already well developed cluster of ICT companies and the region continues to strengthen its linkages and successful partnerships with San Francisco and Silicon Valley. We will continue to engage with Aer Lingus and other airlines to try and bring about a route from Cork to Dublin.”

However, Mr Müller ruled out any chance of Aer Lingus operating a feeder flight from Cork to Dublin.

“The motorway means there is no chance of a Cork to Dublin route,” said Mr Müller. He said Aer Lingus would continue to support the development of Cork Airport on a regional basis.

Aer Lingus yesterday announced the expansion of its transatlantic routes for 2014 creating an additional 200 jobs. The new year-round services to San Francisco and Toronto, it is hoped will boost links with Silicon Valley and also bring tourists into Ireland.

Chief executive of IDA Ireland Barry O’Leary said that the tech companies were looking for direct air access to their headquarters.

“Google, Facebook and many other IDA Ireland clients have their international headquarters located in the San Francisco area.”

Transport and Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar said that the Government was looking to improve access to key tourism markets.

“This Government has always sought to improve air access to key tourism and business markets, such as the US and Canada.”

Aer Lingus will run five services a week from Dublin to San Francisco from April next year. A daily direct service to Toronto will kick in at the same time for the summer season with up to four services a week in the winter.

Aer Lingus said the investment will support jobs in the airline and aircraft leasing company, ASL Aviation.

As part of the moves, new aircraft will be based in Shannon offering increased frequency in and out of New York and Boston.