Aer Arann announces three new UK routes

Aer Arann today announced an additional three new UK services, which are expected to add an extra 30,000 to its passenger numbers during the first year of operation.

The new routes - Waterford to Manchester, Kerry to Manchester and Donegal to Glasgow Prestwick will commence on 3 May.

The regional airline has also added a new 66 seater aircraft to its fleet which brings the total to nine - five 48 seater ATR 42's and now four 66 seater ATR72's.

With fares from €29.99, one way plus tax, Aer Arann will provide three flights per week, which will be increased according to demand.

The Waterford to Manchester service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the Kerry to Manchester service will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the Donegal to Glasgow Prestwick will operate Monday and Friday with an additional flight on a Wednesday commencing from June.

Commenting on the new routes Paul O'Toole of Tourism Ireland said: "This is great news for regional tourism and our team in Great Britain will maximise all marketing opportunities to support Aer Arann and to help attract visitors to the regions".

He stressed the importance of Britain to the Irish tourism industry saying: "Britain is our largest source market, last year attracting a record 4.6 million British visitors to the island of Ireland and the launch of these additional routes will greatly help in continuing to growth the market again this year".