Aer Lingus say a European hub route for Shannon Airport will be examined if it’s deemed economically viable.
The airline’s been telling the Oireachtas Transport Committee about its future plans in the context of the Government’s new National Aviation Policy.
The Department of Transport is examining the possibility of using Government funds to subsidise a route between Shannon and Amsterdam to act as a European hub for the Midwest.
Aer Lingus say it’s something that could be looked at, despite Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney having appeared to rule it out during a recent visit to Ennis.
Chief Strategy and Planning Officer Reid Moody however, says the current Heathrow hub is working well.
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The airline isn’t ruling out the establishment of red-eye services between Shannon and Heathrow.
Aer Lingus has been running three services out of the Midwest since the end of March this year, though its earliest flight doesn’t leave until 7.50am on weekdays.
Elected representatives in the region have been making representations for earlier flight times to Heathrow to benefit the local business community.
Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton says while she won’t fully commit to such a move, she isn’t ruling it out either.
