Aer Arann's Cork-Belfast service takes off

Aer Arann today commenced its new daily service from Cork to Belfast City Airport, which it estimates will carry around 24,000 passengers between the two cities by the end of 2004.

The service will operate Monday to Friday, providing two return flights each day with flights to depart Cork Airport at 8.40am and 2.30pm. The return flights from Belfast City Airport will depart at 10.25am and 4.10pm.

Fares for the 1hr 10 minute flight start from €29.99, and the service will be operated on an ATR42 48 seater aircraft.

Brian Ambrose, CEO of Belfast City Airport commented: "There is considerable demand for a Belfast-Cork service from the local business community and we look forward to working with the airline to promote and grow this service."