20 new jobs for Shannon Airport with expansion of Aer Lingus Regional

Aer Lingus Regional has announced the creation of 20 new jobs at Shannon Aiport following its news that an additonal aircraft will be based at the facility next year.

The news comes as the airline introduces a new route between Shannon and Bristol, and doubles frequency and capacity on routes to Birmingham and Manchester.

The airline has confirmed that this will bring an extra 100,000 passengers through Clare's International airport next year.

They also anticipate growing passenger numbers to 240,000 next year and to 250,000 in 2015.

"This welcome announcement by Aer Lingus Regional is excellent news for Shannon and, indeed, the wider West of Ireland region," said CEO of Shannon Group plc, Neil Pakey.

"There is already very strong demand for Aer Lingus Regional’s Birmingham and Manchester services, while Bristol has in the past been a very successful route here."

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said the announcement was a further boost from the suspension of the Travel Tax in Budget 2014.

"These new services are a major boost for tourism and business in the Shannon region and my Department will now work together with Tourism Ireland to promote them,” Minister Varadkar said.