Minister of State and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has welcomed this weekend’s scheduled resumption of flights between Shannon Airport and London Heathrow.
Minister Killeen said that Aer Lingus’ decision to reinstate the service was commercially based, just as the original decision to end the service had been. “Aer Lingus’ move to reinstate flights between Shannon and Heathrow bears out exactly what I said in August 2007 when the airline announced it was withdrawing the service; it was a commercial decision by the airline to remove the service. The commercial reality in the meantime has changed dramatically, however,” stated the Minister.
He continued, “The dramatic reduction in the cost base at Shannon Airport has played a significant role in the return of the Heathrow service and vital international connectivity.” Minister Killeen noted that the restoration of the service would help Shannon Airport to expand its operations in the coming months. He added, “Coupled with the advent of Open Skies, Shannon Airport has successfully weathered the huge economic downturn and its corresponding impact on the aviation sector. The airport is well placed to prosper and expand when the economy eventually and inevitably rebounds.”
“I also wish to compliment the Shannon Airport Authority, staff at Shannon Airport and the people of the West of Ireland for their steadfast commitment to seeking the reinstatement of this vital service. I wish Aer Lingus every success with the new service,” commented Minister Killeen. Meanwhile, Minister Killeen acknowledged the importance that the Government attached to the resumption of the twice-daily service. He explained that such support from the Government was of paramount importance, on foot of its responsibility for balanced regional development.
Minister Killeen said that Aer Lingus’ decision to reinstate the service was commercially based, just as the original decision to end the service had been. “Aer Lingus’ move to reinstate flights between Shannon and Heathrow bears out exactly what I said in August 2007 when the airline announced it was withdrawing the service; it was a commercial decision by the airline to remove the service. The commercial reality in the meantime has changed dramatically, however,” stated the Minister.
He continued, “The dramatic reduction in the cost base at Shannon Airport has played a significant role in the return of the Heathrow service and vital international connectivity.” Minister Killeen noted that the restoration of the service would help Shannon Airport to expand its operations in the coming months. He added, “Coupled with the advent of Open Skies, Shannon Airport has successfully weathered the huge economic downturn and its corresponding impact on the aviation sector. The airport is well placed to prosper and expand when the economy eventually and inevitably rebounds.”
“I also wish to compliment the Shannon Airport Authority, staff at Shannon Airport and the people of the West of Ireland for their steadfast commitment to seeking the reinstatement of this vital service. I wish Aer Lingus every success with the new service,” commented Minister Killeen. Meanwhile, Minister Killeen acknowledged the importance that the Government attached to the resumption of the twice-daily service. He explained that such support from the Government was of paramount importance, on foot of its responsibility for balanced regional development.
