Extra Capacity by Aer Lingus on London Heathrow Welcomed by Business Community

A straw poll by Shannon Chamber among its member companies has pointed to a huge welcome for the additional capacity on the Shannon Heathrow route announced by Aer Lingus last week.

 

“With Heathrow now one of the busiest routes in terms of passenger volumes for Shannon, the 180 extra seats being added every day, representing an additional 65,000 seats per annum, is a significant boost for the region’s tourism and business sectors. The value of connectivity to Heathrow, which provides links to multiple locations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, can never be underestimated,” said Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes welcoming the announcement.

 

Chamber member Engine Lease Finance Corporation also welcomed the announcement. Executive Vice President Tom Barrett said: “Engine Lease Finance is delighted that the Heathrow capacity is being expanded further. As the world’s largest independent engine leasing company and one that is actually headquartered in Shannon, it is crucial that we have connectivity to London Heathrow as this facilitates vital efficiencies in visiting our customers, banks and shareholders across the globe.”

 

John O’Brien, vice president operations and TBO at Molex also commenting said: “We are delighted at the continued progress of Shannon Airport in attracting increased capacity and increasing connectivity to the region. This is very positive news for business in the Mid-West region. Shannon Airport provides an excellent and un-congested option for the business and leisure traveller alike, with quick and easy links to and from all major locations in Ireland. We look forward to continued growth in our airport.”

 

Connectivity to Shannon and the region is set to be a key topic for discussion at Shannon Chamber tourism-themed lunch which is taking place at the Radisson Blu hotel in Limerick on Thursday, 28 May. Keynote speakers at the lunch, Tourism Ireland’s  chief executive Niall Gibbons and American Airlines senior vice president Suzanne Boda will give their views on why Ireland works for tourism and what more can be done to further increase leisure and business tourism to the region.