Aer Lingus set to launch Cork-US route

AER LINGUS is poised to launch a trans-Atlantic service to the USA from Cork when the current open skies negotiations with the US are concluded, Cork Chamber of Commerce president Robin O'Sullivan said last night.

Mr O'Sullivan said Aer Lingus chief executive Willie Walsh has assured the chamber that Cork Airport is capable, in runway terms, of handling direct transatlantic services.

"And Aer Lingus North America is very confident that the demand for such services exists. We know it exists on this side of the Atlantic. Of course action on this depends ultimately on the various open skies discussions and negotiations," Mr O'Sullivan said in his president's address.