Shannon-to-Philadelphia route to return next year

Daily flights from Shannon to Philadelphia are to resume next year after a four-year hiatus.

Flights from Shannon to Philadelphia are to resume next year after a four-year hiatus.

US Airways will launch a daily, non-stop service, which will operate during the peak summer period next year, which is expected to result in a massive boost to the local economy by providing an additional 30,000 passengers through 2013.

The DAA, which operates Shannon, said the return of the flight and its carrier US Airways was a vote of confidence for the airport.

Sean Lally, representative of the Shannon Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) said the service will generate significant opportunities to grow overseas visitor numbers from the US.

"This is a major announcement for the Shannon area in the run up to the Gathering next year and a welcome vote of confidence for local tourism businesses given the strategic importance of North America for tourism in the West of Ireland,” he said.

“Enormous potential exists to promote Shannon as a vibrant holiday destination abroad, particularly in the lucrative North American market.

“We look forward to building on today’s announcement and working closely with Shannon Airport and Tourism Ireland to market the airport as a tourism hub for the West of Ireland.”