Stobart Air to recommence flights between Shannon and Birmingham – Breen

Fine Gael Clare TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, has warmly welcomed the news that Stobart Air is to recommence operating flights between Shannon and Birmingham. He said that this decision is a vote of confidence in the airport’s future.   Deputy Breen had been making representations to both Shannon Airport and the Department of Transport on this issue and is delighted that Stobart Air has returned to serve the Mid-West Airport. 

“This is very good news for business and tourism in the Shannon region. It confirms Shannon’s position as an international transport hub and speaks volumes of the airport’s potential to continue to grow.

“Stobart Air, who were operating for Aer Lingus Regional, ceased operations at Shannon Airport from January 5th of this year, with the loss of 20 flights a week following a review of its services at Shannon.

“I very much welcome the news that they have reversed this decision as passenger numbers on Stobart Air services from Shannon to Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh had increased by 43 per cent between September 2013 and September 2014.  This route will operate six times weekly from the 18th June 2015 and the reconnection to Birmingham is a major boost for the Mid-West Region.

“Connectivity for Shannon Airport is extremely important and must be prioritised. Shannon Airport provides huge opportunity for economic growth and further development of our tourism offering. It also strengthens Shannon’s case as cross channel transatlantic hub for the UK particularly given the availability of US pre –clearance facilities making the Airport an attractive proposition in the event of any IAG takeover of Aer Lingus.  

“Since splitting from the DAA, profit at Shannon Airport jumped by 34 per cent, while traffic was up 17 per cent. Flights between Shannon and UK destinations like Birmingham and Edinburgh were a loss for people of the region so it is a great achievement to have these routes restored.

“I commend all those at Stobart Air, The Shannon Airport Authority, the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe and the many stakeholders who worked tirelessly on behalf of the Shannon region to secure this deal.

“The Shannon Airport Authority has been very successful in attracting new business and I would hope that they will concentrate now on developing a route into Scotland where there is demand for such a service.”