Following news that United Airlines is to cease its seasonal transatlantic service from Shannon to Chicago from next year, Mary Gleeson, general manager of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, has urged Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to do all in their power to reinstate the key route. “After five years of promoting the Chicago-Shannon route to all our contacts, we are devastated to hear that United Airlines appear to be walking away from it. “We understand that the summer period was very successful for these flights and every time I met a client who had travelled on it, I was told that the flight was full or close to it. So I find the claim that the route is no longer financially viable hard to believe. “Surely the loss of this valuable route, in terms of regional development, particularly with the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, warrants the intervention of the …
Read More »Shannon shortlisted for social media competition
The Wild Atlantic Way is one hour from winning even more tourists for 2018 thanks to a world-first social media competition that has seen Shannon Airport shortlisted for a Cologone, Germany route. Shannon will vie with two other airports – Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Trapani in Italy – in a vote-off in the first ever Facebook competition for an airline service. The novel competition by Eurowings offers the opportunity to regions to have a direct service to Cologne on its summer schedule for next year. The service would be another major boost to tourism along the western seaboard, with the German demand growing for the unique and increasingly popular Wild Atlantic Way offering. The vote will take place on Eurowings’ Facebook account facebook.com/eurowings/ (the link will also be available on www.shannonairport.ie) between 2pm and 3pm on Wednesday. The airports were announced as the three shortlisted out of ten selected earlier for the competition. Shannon is the only Irish airport in Ireland to …
Read More »€15m Shannon runway resurfacing completed ahead of schedule
Shannon Airport and Lagan Asphalt Group have announced the completion of a €15 million resurfacing project on Ireland’s longest runway, eight weeks ahead of schedule. Work commenced in May, including the full rehabilitation of 2,400 metres of runway surface, the replacement of runway edge and centre line lighting with energy efficient LED lighting, ducing and other associated works. A team of 90 people and 70 vehicles worked on the runway at night to avoid disrupting flights. The project is part of a €15m investment programme and was financed through a loan secured from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. Matthew Thomas, CEO of Shannon Group said, “The runway is the main artery of Shannon Airport and has been one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the region since its construction in 1961. It provides a crucial link to the global community and has facilitated the growth of Irish tourism and business in the region for over 55 years.” He …
Read More »Emergency landing at Shannon
AN American Airlines flight from Miami to Paris was forced to divert to Shannon this morning. It is understood that an emergency landing was required due to signs of a fire in the cargo hold. Emergency services met the plane upon it landing. American Airlines have tweeted that they expect the flight to leave Shannon again at around 1pm. One of the passengers on board tweeted, “Great start to our European adventure. We’re safe. Looks like it was a false alarm.” He also put up a picture of the plane alongside two fire brigades and an ambulance as well as a number of emergency services personnel and passengers.
Read More »RTÉ’s Nationwide looks at Brendan O’Regan
The remarkable life and legacy of Dr Brendan O’Regan, who among his many accomplishments is credited with developing the world’s first duty free shop at Shannon Airport, is being recognised by RTÉ Nationwide this week in a programme special devoted to him. Presented by Mary Kennedy, the programme includes interviews with Dr O’Regan’s daughter, Carmel and staff from Shannon Group companies who helped to bring Brendan’s story to life for viewers. Among those interviewed were; Andrew Murphy from Shannon Airport, Ray O’Driscoll from Shannon Commercial Properties, John Ruddle and Pauline Lenihan from Shannon Heritage and retired Shannon Heritage CEO, Cian O’Carroll and Rose Hynes from Shannon Group. Rose Hynes, chairman Shannon Group plc said, “Dr Brendan O’Regan was one of the most fascinating and influential people of our time. A renaissance man, a pioneer of regional development, charismatic and charming – who brought a passion and determination to every task he undertook. “Shannon Group which comprises – Shannon Airport, Shannon …
Read More »Expanded Philadelphia service from Shannon
Shannon Airport has welcomed the announcement by American Airlines to expand its Shannon to Philadelphia service in 2018, as the airline continues to build on the growing demand for flights between Shannon and its Philadelphia hub. Welcoming the increased capacity, Andrew Murphy, Managing Director Shannon Airport said: “The airline’s decision is significant and shows that the service is popular with passengers both sides of the Atlantic. We are delighted with the increase which will add an additional 50 return flights and 7,000 passengers. It is a service that continues to grow, with a 60% increase in capacity already added since 2013. “The additional capacity will not only have a positive impact for inbound tourism for the West of Ireland providing a boost for the tourism industry along the Wild Atlantic Way, but will also provide increased opportunities for business connectivity as people using the service will be able to connect at the American Airlines leading hub airports. It is also …
Read More »Norwegian Air International ushers in new era for Shannon
The strength of tourism across the regions will be emphasised on Sunday next when Shannon Airport operates its largest number of transatlantic destinations in 17 years with the commencement of two Norwegian Air International services. Two weekly flights to Stewart International Airport, Orange County – just 90 minutes from New York – and two weekly flights to Providence Green Airport, Rhode Island will be added to the already strong Shannon US schedule. The new services create an unprecedented line-up to the USA from Shannon Airport, with five airlines serving seven destinations. Looking ahead to the commencement of the new services on Sunday, Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas said: “This is a remarkable day in many respects. It heralds another new carrier at Shannon and what’s most notable here is that Norwegian Air International, a new transatlantic operator, not only chose Shannon but is introducing the second largest number of flights at any airport here. That clearly demonstrates the strength of …
Read More »“There’s no place like home” Everest hero Burke returns
A NEW Clare hero arrived home this afternoon, as John Burke touched down at Shannon Airport, having scaled Mount Everest. As he emerged from the aircraft the 38-year-old hotelier was visibly thrilled to be home, and he was embraced by family on the tarmac. Later when he emerged from the arrivals area he was welcomed by a large crowd, eager to recognise the Miltown man’s achievement. Speaking to the press John said he was delighted to be back in Clare. “It’s amazing, I’ve been thinking about it since I left. There’s no place like home, I’m delighted to be back.” Reaching the earth’s summit was an unforgettable moment. “I got to stand on top of the world on May 16 at 9.45am. It was a dream of ten years for me and I was so emotional when I got to the top, I’m still emotional that I got to the top. I suppose when you chase a dream and you …
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