Ahern backs British firm bid for flights
On Thursday, he faxed a direct appeal to the head of the British firm which is assessing applications for airlines seeking new slots at Heathrow. However, Mr Ahern got an immediate reply telling him the process is confidential.
He was not told if his intervention would be considered.
British carrier Astraeus Airlines is one of the applicants for slots and has indicated it would be anxious to set up a Shannon to Heathrow service.
Mr Ahern faxed a personal letter to Pater Morrisroe, managing director of Airport Coordination Ltd, which is considering applications for new slots at Heathrow.
In his letter, dated October 18, Mr Ahern states: “I understand that Astraeus Airlines has made an application for slots with a view to operating an air service between Heathrow and Shannon. The Irish Government is supportive of any efforts which will restore connectivity between Heathrow and Shannon having regard to the importance of such connectivity for Shannon and the mid-west region. Accordingly I would like to express my support for the application made by Astraeus Airlines.
“Yours sincerely, Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach.”
In his letter of reply also dated October 18, Mr Morrisroe acknowledged the Taoiseach’s letter regarding the Astraeus application.
Mr Morrisroe went on to state: “We are currently in the middle of the process of determining slot allocations at Heathrow for the summer 2008 scheduling season, which we expect to complete and distribute around October 26, 2007.
“Until that time the decisions that we have reached regarding the allocation of slots remain confidential. We will advise Astraeus Airlines at the time of the results of our slot allocation decisions.”
Thousands are expected to attend a huge Shannon to Heathrow rally in Limerick which gets under way at 2pm today.
Defence Minister Willie O’Dea has said he will not be attending.
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