Deal gives Shannon time to prepare for 'Open Skies'
The practice of transatlantic flights stopping in Shannon Airport will be phased out by 2008, Transport Minister Martin Cullen said today.
But Mr Cullen signed a deal with US Secretary of Transport, Norman Mineta to open up three new destinations for Aer Lingus, bringing the total gateways to ten.
Beginning in November 2006, one in three transatlantic flights will stop in Shannon until 2008.
Mr Cullen said: ‘This was a good deal, hard-won, which gives Shannon a good opportunity to prepare for the arrival of Open Skies.
“It also provides Aer Lingus with an opportunity to fly to three new destinations in the US from 2006.
“This will enable the company to develop its transatlantic route structure in the run up to Open Skies, open new markets for Irish tourism, offer greater choice to consumers and help grow jobs in Ireland”.
Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue tonight welcomed the new transatlantic deals and said they had major potential to open up a range of new air services between Ireland the US.
Ireland attracts one million visitors and revenue worth €700m each year.
“The potential is truly enormous, in particular, when new gateways are opened beyond the current seven gateways.
“US visitors stay longer, spend more per capita and travel more widely in the country, which is critically important for improved regional spread of tourism.”
Tourism Ireland welcomed the transatlantic deals and said it would open up new access routes and tourism potential.
A spokesman said the body would work with Shannon Airport and Shannon Development to maximise new business potential presented by these developments.
Tourism Ireland is currently undertaking a root and branch review of the North American market in conjunction with industry partners.
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) said the new bilateral air agreement was an enormous step forward for Irish tourism as it will allow for increased air routes and new gateways from the US to Ireland.
“The American market is hugely important. American holidaymakers tend to spend longer in Ireland than any other nationality.
“They also tour more extensively to different parts of the country when they are here,” IHF chief executive John Power said.
