Big numbers forecast for new Gatwick air links
Up to 500,000 people are expected to fly on new low-cost routes connecting Cork, Knock and Shannon with London’s Gatwick airport in their first year of operation, it was claimed today.
easyJet’s daily service from Shannon will increase to twice-a-day from April 22 and is expected to attract both business and leisure travellers alike.
The airline said the route has strong tourism potential, whilst the morning and evening departures allow a good day return for the business traveller.
Advance sales have been strong and easyJet expects to carry close to 500,000 passengers in the first 12 months on all three of the new routes, over 150,000 of those through Shannon Airport.
Ed Winter, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, said the venture was an exciting one for the company.
“It is an exciting day for easyJet and we are delighted to be starting these new services, the Republic of Ireland is a practically untapped market for low-cost services and air fares in the region have been too high for too long,” he said.
“easyJet is now providing thousands of Irish travellers the opportunity to access the south of England through our Gatwick gateway with our well established product and great low fares.”
Martin Moroney, Director of Shannon Airport, welcomed easyJet’s arrival and hailed the addition of London Gatwick to the range of destinations served directly from the airport.
“This service will provide an excellent low cost option for travel to the south of England and London and we wish easyJet every success at Shannon and look forward to further expansion of their services in the future,” he added.
Flights from Shannon to Gatwick will be available from €17.99 one way €25.98 return including taxes.
