Year-Round Transatlantic Services From Shannon Vital For Mid West Business

It’s claimed the provision of year-round transatlantic services from Shannon Airport is vital for businesses to thrive in the Mid West.

United Airlines is to pull Newark flights in the winter due to a drop in demand – something that has been met with concern.

It comes as a new initiative is launched as part of efforts to bolster aviation businesses here.

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Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports from Shannon:

Shannon Airport was dealt a blow by the announcement that United Airlines will no longer operate a year-round service.

The flights will be suspended from November to March due to what they call a decreased demand from passengers – but from both a tourism and business perspective, the move has been met with concern.

United has been asked to re-consider its move, and senior figures in the airline are to meet with Clare Fine Gael Junior Minister Pat Breen later this week.

This morning, Minister Breen dismissed any suggestion the airline would pull out of Shannon altogether – he remains hopeful of securing a U-turn on the decision.

Until the recent addition of Norwegian Air flights to airports near New York and Boston, United was the only carrier to provide year-round transatlantic flights from Shannon.

However, senior figures at Shannon don’t believe their decision to scale back services is linked with this increased competition.

Managing Director of Shannon Group’s International Aviation Services Centre is Patrick Edmond.

Meanwhile, today saw the launch of Propeller Shannon, a start-up programme to enhance aviation in the region – an initiative it’s hoped will boost business in the Mid West.

The Enterprise Ireland supported programme is aimed at those working in the aviation sector and runs for three months – those selected will work alongside the likes of Boeing and Datalex.