By Barry Coughlan
Shannon Airport has been boosted by the decision from Delta to increase seat capacity on its new daily service to New York JFK.
Bookings have been encouraging and Delta took the decision to employ Boeing 767-300 series rather than 757-200 series aircraft.
The service began last week and this larger aircraft will provide almost 4,000 extra seats throughout the summer.
Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group welcomed the return of Delta, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Delta Air Lines back to Shannon Airport today for the first time since 2019. This new service to New York-JFK is a significant boost for our airport and a further endorsement of the growing demand for transatlantic seats into Shannon.
“The additional capacity provided by the use of the larger Boeing 767-300 aircraft will provide even more choice for passengers in this region and inbound visitors, traveling to explore the vibrant tourism offering along the Wild Atlantic Way. This direct service also provides increased business connectivity for our customers.
“In addition to our New York/JFK services, we also have services to Boston, Chicago and New York/Newark. We are delighted to be able to facilitate this demand for services through Shannon with valued airline partners such as Delta.
“Transatlantic travel from Shannon Airport has never been easier with our efficient Pre-clearance facility, combined EU/TSA security screening system and Mobile Passport Control App, which will help to ensure a seamless and comfortable airport experience for our passengers through the busy summer travel season ahead.”
Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President Europe, Middle East, Africa and India added: “In response to strong demand, we are delighted to restart our service between Shannon and New York-JFK, offering our customers convenient travel options between Ireland’s west coast and North America and furthering business opportunities for the entire region.
“This summer, we will be offering around 3,000 weekly seats between Shannon and the Big Apple, benefiting customers looking for adventures in the US, and American visitors looking to enjoy some of Ireland’s most well-known attractions.”
The service was also welcomed by Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America who said: “Tourism Ireland warmly welcomes the relaunch of Delta’s daily non-stop flights from New York to Shannon, boosting visitor numbers from the United States.
“Tourism Ireland aims in a sustainable way to support local economies and communities and the re-launch of this service will deliver visitors right to the heart of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.
“As an island destination, there’s a proven correlation between access and growth in visitor numbers. Tourism Ireland is committed to working with Delta, Shannon Airport and our other key partners, to drive demand for this transatlantic flight, and all other services to Ireland, helping to maintain our vital network of routes and services.”
Shannon was the first Irish airport that Delta chose to fly into back in 1986.
This year Shannon Airport is operating 33 routes to 11 countries across the EU, UK and USA. For more information on Shannon Airport’s summer schedule, including its US services.
Visit: shannonairport.ie. To book flights to New York – JFK from Shannon Airport, visit delta.com.