Joint Approach Agreed To Promoting Shannon Airport's Transatlantic Routes

During a meeting held in New York this week, both parties put forward a set of proposals geared toward boosting regional support for existing services with a view to developing new business.

Representing Aer Lingus at the meeting in Ireland House, Park Avenue, were Jack Foley, Executive Vice President in North America; Kate Kiernan, Director of Revenues & Business Development; and Helen Maguire, Director Consumer Sales.

Councillor Lily Wallace (Chairperson) and Liam Conneally (Director) represented the Nenagh-based MWRA. Representatives of Clare County Council and Shannon Town Council, including both Mayors, were also present.

Councillor Wallace expressed delight that Aer Lingus had pledged its commitment to developing transatlantic services at Shannon Airport.

She acknowledged that this commitment was based on the Mid West's relevant agencies pulling together to market the region as a desirable tourist destination.

"During the meeting Aer Lingus indicated that it would be very interested in working with any parties that could assist in improving load factors on all routes. The airline pointed out that it was not involved with destination marketing but would be willing to work with the Mid West Region if suitable packages and promotional material could be put in place and provided by the region", explained Councillor Wallace.

According to Mr. Liam Conneally, Director, "Aer Lingus is committed to providing competitive packages for air travellers as a result of the region working together to market its attractiveness, as well as developing competitive packages that complement Aer Lingus fares. Such an understanding presents a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Commenting on the meeting with Aer Lingus, Mr. Alec Fleming, member of the Regional Tourism Board and Designated Manager, Mid West Regional Authority, stated, "Aer Lingus were very open and expressed a willingness to open their books. I am specially delighted that those representing the airline indicated that they would travel to Mid West Region to further discuss how transatlantic services could be maintained, improved and expanded at Shannon Airport."

"The Mid West Region has been presented a tremendous opportunity to work with Aer Lingus, which has expressed its willingness to engage in cooperative marketing initiatives. I would urge all relevant agencies, along with the Mid West's business and tourism sectors, to continue to enhance the attractiveness of the region so as to further build on the co-operative relationship that has been developed with Aer Lingus", concluded Mr. Fleming.

The Mid-West Regional Authority is one of the Republic of Ireland's eight statutory regions and comprises the administrative areas of Clare, North Tipperary & Limerick County Councils and Limerick City Council.

The Nenagh-based Authority has twenty-six elected representatives and has responsibility to promote the coordinated delivery of Public Services in the Mid-West Region. It is also Secretariat to the Government appointed Shannon Airport Marketing Consultative Committee (SAMCC).