Aer Lingus Retrofit A Retrograde Step For Midwest – Mayor of Clare

Councillor Patricia McCarthy said that a three-month (Jan-March 2009) curtailment of services from Shannon to and from Chicago, Boston and New York would have negative consequences for business and tourism interests in the Midwest region.

Mayor McCarthy expressed concern that the retrofitting of aircraft would also lead to a number of the scheduled direct Shannon to New York flights being interrupted with a stop off at Dublin.

She added, "Quality connectivity to the USA is the backbone of the economic well-being of this region. Therefore, it is hugely disappointing that Aer Lingus has decided to curtail its transatlantic services, especially at a time of economic uncertainty."

"The people of the Midwest no longer have faith in Aer Lingus’ supposed commitment to retaining transatlantic services at Shannon. As recent as last March, the airline announced that it was committed to fully delivering upon its year-round transatlantic Shannon flights. Today at the airline’s AGM we discover that there will be curtailment of these vital services for the first three months of 2009. The Shannon Airport Authority with its transatlantic winter incentive scheme and local tourism and business groups have done all that they can to support the airline. The same level of commitment, however, has not been reciprocated by Aer Lingus", stated the Mayor.

Mayor McCarthy said that there was a growing fear in the region that Aer Lingus was moving towards a complete withdrawal from Shannon.

She said, "Earlier this year, Aer Lingus confirmed that flights to Chicago, New York and Boston would remain at Shannon Airport for the winter season of 2008/9. However, the announcement by Aer Lingus chairman John Sharman that rising fuel costs are causing the airline to rethink its long haul capacity is ominous for Shannon."

"As we have seen before with the withdrawal of the Shannon-Heathrow service, the retention of key services at Shannon is not a priority for Aer Lingus. I now ask the airline to clarify its plans regarding future operations at the airport. The people of the Midwest are owed at least that", Mayor McCarthy concluded.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
Mayor of Clare Cllr. Patricia McCarthy (087-4187132) is available for interview. For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com