Mayor Of Clare Welcomes Aer Arann Announcement

Mayor Mulcahy added that Aer Arann’s announcement was not just a vote of confidence in this airport, but also a vote of confidence in the Mid West Region.

"Up until recently Shannon was very much dependent on one airline to maintain its scheduled services. I have always believed that relying on one airline for a large proportion of traffic was potentially detrimental for the airport as you end up leaving yourself open to a complete collapse of business if that operator pulls out. Aer Arann’s arrival at Shannon, coupled with Delta’s resumption of transatlantic services heralds a new beginning for the airport. I think today’s announcement will inject massive confidence into the local economy at a time when it is most needed", he stated.

The Mayor continued: "Shannon Airport undoubtedly experienced an immensely difficult opening four months to 2010 when it lost two thirds of Ryanair services in late March and then had to contend with numerous airspace closures brought on by the volcanic ash cloud. However, the airport’s fortunes have improved immensely in recent weeks with announcements from Delta and Continental that led to an expansion of the level and range of transatlantic services now available from here. Furthermore, Aer Lingus’s continued commitment to operating its transatlantic services and the immensely popular Heathrow route has consolidated Shannon’s ‘international airport’ status."

Mayor Mulcahy acknowledged the efforts of Airport Director Martin Moroney and his staff in seeking a replacement airline for routes vacated by Ryanair in late March.

He continued: "With Kerry, Galway and Ireland West airports in such close proximity to Shannon it was imperative that as many of the services as possible be reinstated without delay. Furthermore, the airport has worked closely with transatlantic operators to ensure that the Mid West continues to be served with quality connectivity to and from the US, where many of the region’s multinationals originate. These scheduled services are complemented by the services being announced today and I am confident that additional new services will be announced before long."

Commenting on the new routes, Mayor Mulcahy said: "As a frequent air traveller myself, I am delighted that my local airport can now offer an even greater range of destinations to which to fly to. The Bristol route will no doubt be popular with rugby fans and also tourists wishing the visit the beautiful West of England. Many people in this region have relatives living in Birmingham and the Midlands region so that route will be well utilised. Glasgow is the home of Celtic Football Club and in Shannon alone I know there are many soccer supporters who will look forward to using the new service. The Glasgow service will also provide an additional entry point into Scotland for people in the region as Ryanair already operate a service to Edinburgh."

"Aer Arann’s announcement today is a very significant announcement for Shannon Airport, the local business and tourism sector, and the wider community across the region", he concluded.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
- Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy is available for interview on 086-2436345. Further information is available from Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com