Workers warn against US flights cutback

AS Shannon yesterday reported record passenger numbers on transatlantic flights during 2005, airport workers’ lobby group Signal warned against any reduction in Shannon/US flights when the Open Skies agreement kicks in.

Signal said the Aer Lingus commitment to provide 400,000 seats on its transatlantic services under Open Skies was insufficient.

Open Skies involves a new agreement being finalised between the US and the EU to open up more routes between Europe and North America, freeing airlines from existing flight arrangements.