Aer Lingus Shannon-Heathrow re-opening solely due to cost cuts

The chief executive of Aer Lingus, Dermot Mannion, has rejected claims that political pressure forced the former State airline to re-introduce its service from Shannon to Heathrow.

Twice-daily flights will resume on March 29 next.

Special one way introductory fares of €19.99 are expected to attract a large number of customers from day one.

Aer Lingus boss Mannion said the new cost cutting plan at the airline has made today's announcement possible.