Transatlantic boost for Shannon
Just before the 149th Slot Conference in Rome, United Airlines confirmed that March 27 next year would be the date that it would recommence its daily non-stop service from New York Newark to Shannon. This fantastic news was swiftly joined by Aer Lingus’ announcement that it would also restart its transatlantic services from Shannon to New York JFK and Boston in Spring 2022.
“The restoration of this [Newark] service is another welcome boost for transatlantic connectivity to our region and the broader west of Ireland,” says Declan Power, Head of Aviation Development at Shannon Airport. “United Airlines is a highly valued airline partner of Shannon Airport and we are delighted to have been able to work with them to restore this vital transatlantic service. Its restoration is a vote of confidence by the airline and another major milestone as we continue to rebuild Shannon Airport’s air services and fulfil our role as an economic driver for tourism, business and social connectivity.”
“In addition, our new airport security screening system will ensure a quick, smoother and easier experience for our passengers, halving the time they spend in this area,” adds Power. “This, along with our combined US TSA and Europe security screening, gives Shannon a unique edge over other airports internationally and lives up to our brand promise to make our airport experience even easier.”
Over the past 22 years, the Newark service has brought over 2.1 million passengers to Shannon, illustrating the importance of this route from both a business and tourism perspective. The Newark service will run until October 29 and will be operated by United’s 172-seat B757-200 fleet, departing daily from Shannon at 1230.
Aer Lingus links
Announced on the same day as United, Aer Lingus revealed that it will start daily A321neo services from Shannon to Boston on March 10, with daily operations using the same aircraft type to JFK beginning the following day. “It is great to get these strategic routes back which support thousands of jobs across the tourism and industry sectors. Shannon to JFK and Boston are key services, so to see Aer Lingus recommence these routes next year is hugely positive,” confirms Power.
Complementing the US routes, the IAG carrier restarted its London Heathrow service, operating initially on a daily basis, on September 13. “With Heathrow starting in September, our new Luton service beginning at the end of October and our existing Stansted and Gatwick routes, we have the best connectivity to London airports since 2009 when we last had services to all four of the largest London airports,” concludes Power.
