Application for Heathrow slots rejected
The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance today received confirmation that its application for slots at Heathrow has been rejected by Airport Co-Ordination Limited, the authority responsible for slot allocation at all major UK airports.
Astraeus Airlines submitted the application two weeks ago on behalf of the action group.
Expressing disappointment with the latest development, Mayor of Clare and Alliance member Cllr Patricia McCarthy said: “The application for slots was an option the Alliance felt had to be pursued, as part of its ongoing efforts to retain services between Shannon International Airport and London Heathrow.
“Regrettably, we accept that the door has been firmly closed on this application and we would like to express our gratitude to Astraeus Airlines for its support.
“However, the Alliance will continue to emphasise the importance of maintaining quality and permanent connectivity between the west of Ireland and Heathrow.
“The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance still requires explanation from Government as to why these slots were not protected as put forward in the prospectus for the privatisation of Aer Lingus.”
The Mayor stated that, in her opinion, Aer Lingus' financial argument for moving its Heathrow slots from Shannon to its new base in Belfast did not stand up.
"Aer Lingus anticipates carrying 500,000 passengers on its Belfast routes within the first 12 months of operation,” she said.
“Yet, it is abandoning Shannon Airport where it carried 320,000 passengers each year on its Heathrow route alone.
“The Alliance will continue to impress upon the Irish Government, as shareholders in the airline, to raise questions over the commercial viability of Aer Lingus' proposed move.”
John Brassil, chairman of the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance added: “The Irish Government must now work towards ensuring quality connectivity to an international hub ahead of January 14 next, when the Aer Lingus service from Shannon to Heathrow is scheduled to cease.
“The Alliance will continue to support ongoing efforts by the Shannon Airport Authority to promote incentives aimed at attracting new airlines into Shannon from strategic European hubs.”
