Aer Lingus adds to Shannon/UK routes

Aer Lingus Regional yesterday announced 100,000 new seats across three Shannon/UK routes for 2014.

A new daily route will serve Bristol; Manchester frequencies will increase from two to three times daily; and Birmingham will double its existing daily flights. The new services will lead to the creation of 20 new jobs at Shannon.

Chief executive of the Shannon Group, Neil Pakey, said: “All three destinations have much to offer Irish travellers and the extra capacity will also be hugely beneficial for tourism across the west of Ireland region.

“Aer Lingus Regional will now have 96 UK regional flights a week to and from Shannon next summer and anticipates growing passenger numbers to 240,000 next year and to 250,000 in 2015. This illustrates its very strong contribution and commitment to Shannon.”

Mr Pakey said the announcement crowned an excellent first year for the independent Shannon Airport: “We have had a positive start to life as an independent airport, with summer passenger numbers recording month-over-month increases on last year of close to 10% and up to 40% on transatlantic.”

Aer Arann chief commercial officer Simon Fagan said its Shannon expansion programme was a key part of the airline’s growth plan.

“We are delighted to announce our Shannon expansion programme. The airline is determined to grow both our passenger numbers and route network. The addition of a new destination and the doubling of our capacity on two key routes from Shannon, provides real choice to the travelling public, and will serve to bring further visitors to the region.”