Transatlantic services to stay

AER LINGUS yesterday said it was committed to retaining transatlantic services out of Shannon.

The announcement came amid mounting concern that the airline would reduce its long haul flights presence at Shannon.

This has been averted through a new deal on airport charges and commitments by mid-west tourism interests.

Shannon director Martin Moroney welcomed Aer Lingus’s announcement as a vote of confidence in the airport as the gateway to the west of Ireland for North American traffic.

Mr Moroney said: “The transatlantic market is extremely important for Shannon and the west of Ireland.

“We have been in consultation with Aer Lingus in relation to transatlantic services for some time now and have made available an extremely attractive incentives package aimed at securing year-round transatlantic services for Shannon.”

They anticipated some challenges this year as the onset of Open Skies takes full effect from April but, Mr Moroney said the Aer Lingus decision is a significant vote of confidence.