Gerard O’Callaghan, general manager, Shelter Harbor Golf Club, Charlestown, Rhode Ireland.

The choice of destinations now available to outbound users of Shannon Airport travelling to the US has risen to 7 with the announcement today that Norwegian Air International is to commence two new services from July 2017. This also translates into new opportunities to encourage visitors from these areas within the US to visit the West of Ireland using Shannon as their inbound airport of choice.

This was the view of Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes in reaction to the news today that Shannon will have connections to Stewart International Airport in Orange County and to Providence Green Airport in Rhode Island.

“To be able to fly into new areas of the US is a great development, and with fares at such competitive rates, we can look forward to a completely new set of travellers who may not want to fly into the busier US airports.”

Congratulating the Shannon Group on securing this new low-cost service for Shannon, Ms Downes added: “Choice is always good and the fact that Shannon has an unprecedented line-up of 5 airlines, 7 destinations and 8 services, all direct, is bound to increase traffic into and from the airport. Shannon Chamber always encourages its member companies to fly Shannon whenever possible. Airlines choose an airport only if the routes deliver and we will play our part in ensuring that these US routes remain viable.

Dublin native Gerard O’Callaghan, general manager of Shelter Harbor Golf Club, a private golf club in Charlestown, Rhode Island, is delighted to hear that he can now fly direct to Shannon when visiting his sister in Co Clare.

“I might also encourage our club members to fly direct to Shannon when considering a golf trip to Ireland. With so many great courses along the west coast, especially links, being able to fly from Providence T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island, only 40 minutes from the Club, could swing the decision in Shannon’s direction.”