New routes open to Faro and Glasgow

TWO new routes commenced at Shannon on Wednesday, amid hopes of a positive summer season. Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight from Shannon to Faro took to the skies on Wednesday evening and the three-time weekly service will continue until the end of October, offering access to the Algarve.

Earlier on Wednesday Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline started operating its new route to Glasgow, which will run on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The Faro service brings the total number of weekly flights with Aer Lingus to 58 with over 8,000 seats available each week from May to October.

Commenting on the new service Aer Lingus director of communications Declan Kearney said, “The Algarve is a really popular destination for holidaymakers from all over Ireland. We now have services from Shannon, Cork, Dublin and Belfast.

“We’ve seen strong demand for bookings since we announced the Shannon to Faro service, so strong that we’ve increased the frequency from two to three flights per week and are running the service for an additional six weeks, to the end of October. It’s great to welcome the first customers on board today.”
Securing a link to Faro was important from Shannon’s point of view, according to airport director Mary Considine.

“The fact that Ireland is the seventh strongest international market for the Algarve region shows how strong the demand is here for flights to Faro.

“Getting a Faro service back at Shannon was one of our key objectives for 2013 and we look forward to working with Aer Lingus to ensure passengers going through Shannon enjoy the convenience and ease of using our airport.”

Andrew Strong, Flybe UK’s managing director, said the Glasgow route will help tourism in both Ireland and Scotland.

“We are pleased to provide this brand new route that reflects the established Celtic connections between Glasgow and Shannon which is reflected by strong business, tourism and leisure links. We expect the passenger numbers generated on this route to contribute further to the growth of local business and tourism economies on both sides of the Irish Sea.”

Ms Considine said she was confident about the route. “We are delighted with the launch of this new service on two fronts. Glasgow is an extremely popular destination for holidaymakers and business travellers from the west coast of Ireland and the strong Irish connection with Glasgow translates into a very significant outbound market.”

Flybe has 194 routes serving 15 countries, operating from a total of 85 departure points. Deputy Pat Breen also welcomed the resumption of operations by Flybe.

“The return of Flybe Airlines to Shannon Airport after an absence of seven years is a vote of confidence in the new Shannon Airport Authority and it is a welcome boost for the business and tourism sectors here in Clare, particularly given this is the year of the Gathering.

“Glasgow has always proved a popular destination for football tourism and this new service will allow those travelling to games at Celtic Park easier access to the city.”

Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes also welcomed the route. “We look forward to seeing full seat capacity being attained and welcoming a new wave of visitors to the Shannon Region. Shannon Chamber congratulates the Shannon Airport marketing and route development team and Flybe for making this new connection happen.”