Fuel scraps new route

SOARING fuel prices have downed the first transatlantic flights out of Cork, even before they could take off.

Slattery Travel announced yesterday it was scrapping plans for a twice-weekly service between Cork and New York, because fuel prices had surged to such an extent it would cost an extra €20,000 per flight.

The company’s managing director, David Slattery, said he was bitterly disappointed to have cancelled the flights which were due to get underway on October 27. More than 3,500 bookings had already been made.

Last January, Slattery Travel contracted Chicago-based carrier Ryan International to operate the flights. The airline informed the travel agents that recent increases in fuel prices would mean a much larger charge per flight.

“We wouldn’t have absorbed the prices but passed them on. That would have meant an extra €95 per return ticket. People could have flown out from Shannon much cheaper,” Mr Slattery said.

Those who had booked return flights, which cost between €299 and €599, will receive a full refund, plus a €50 voucher from Slattery Travel.

Up to 90% of those who had booked were flying out of Cork, with the bulk intending to do Christmas shopping. Mr Slattery said he had expected the 10% figure for American customers visiting Cork to increase next summer.

He didn’t rule out relaunching the service.

A delegation from Cork County Council will still travel to New York with major hotel and tourism representatives as planned at the end of this month.

County mayor Michael Creed is convinced the service will happen once the cost of crude oil falls to normal levels.

“Having spoken to David Slattery, I am convinced of the viability of the Cork - New York service and that we will see one sooner rather than later. Such a service would be invaluable to the region and the reason for our visit to New York was to drum up business which would have tied in with the new service.

The visit will promote the potential for business tourism between New York and the Cork region, so the delegation will meet with tour operators over the course of two days there.