Vital boost and 20 new jobs as Shannon gets four new British routes

SHANNON AIRPORT has been given a significant boost as Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have announced four new routes to Britain.

From July 1 Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, will provide direct flights to Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Bristol from Shannon Airport. Flights to Manchester and Glasgow will operate seven days per week, while Bristol and Birmingham will operate every day except Saturdays.

Flights go on sale from tomorrow, with fares starting at €39.99 one way, including taxes.

Up to 60,000 passengers are expected to use the new services in 2010 and they will create 20 jobs at Shannon.

Passenger numbers at the airport are expected to fall to two million this year from 2.5 million in 2009.

The new destinations will replace services withdrawn by Ryanair earlier this year.

At yesterday’s announcement, Aer Arann chief executive Paul Schütz said: “We are delighted to launch the second phase of our franchise operations with Aer Lingus in Shannon where we know there has been a strong demand for new UK direct services.

“In launching these routes we are responding to calls from the business and tourism sectors in the region and we plan to work with them to ensure the success of these routes and having achieved that to grow our presence in Shannon and to develop more new routes in the future.”

Shannon Airport Authority, airport director Martin Moroney said the new services will provide essential British regional connectivity to Shannon. “The establishment of sustainable air-services is our top priority and in this regard the UK market is of very high importance. We wish Aer Lingus Regional every success in the future and look forward to working with their team in developing their business for all our benefit.”

Also present at the launch was Minister for Defence Tony Killeen who outlined the importance of the new services for the region.

“This is a significant boost for Shannon and for the connectivity of the mid-west region as a whole. It’s a real vote of confidence. It opens new opportunities for business and makes the region more competitive and attractive for investment. Overall this is a very positive development and I congratulate everyone involved in Aer Arann, Aer Lingus and Shannon Airport Authority for making this happen.”

Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy echoed this statement saying: “We are delighted to welcome the Aer Arann and Aer Lingus franchise operation to Shannon. We are very appreciative of the announcement about the addition of four new routes today, which will help in driving long-term sustainability in the region.

Under the franchise agreement between the two airlines Aer Lingus Regional flights are operated by Aer Arann using its own ATR 72 aircraft and crew.

All franchise flights are sold and distributed through www.aerlingus.com. Aer Arann assumes full operational and commercial responsibility for the services covered by the franchise agreement, with Aer Lingus receiving a franchise fee.