Breen launches new Boeing B757 Aer Lingus Shannon to Boston service

Fine Gael Clare TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, has today (Wednesday) helped Aer Lingus to launch its new Boeing B757 service from Shannon to Boston.

Two new Boeing B757 aircraft will be based at Shannon, replacing a single Airbus A330. This will allow the Airline to almost double its weekly service from Shannon, and it marks the return of year round transatlantic operations for Aer Lingus at Shannon.

“Today is yet another important milestone for Shannon Airport and is testament to the airline’s commitment to the Shannon Region. This increased frequency at Shannon opens up additional connectivity to almost 40 cities in North America through Aer Lingus’ partner airline, Jetblue Airways. This will allow passengers to connect seamlessly to cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Washington and Orlando, and it has the potential to bring thousands of extra tourists to the Shannon region every year.

“Thanks to the success of the Gathering, the number of visitors coming here from the United States hit an all-time high last year. The increased capacity to Boston and New York and the reinstatement of year round connectivity will ensure that Shannon and the wider region will now be in a prime position to further strengthen our tourism and trade links with the US.

“I have been engaged with US lawmakers on the issue of US immigration reforms, which could change the fate of thousands of undocumented Irish living in the US. I believe a deal on immigration reform, which would allow Irish expats to once again travel home without fear of recrimination, would create an even greater demand for transatlantic services between Shannon and the US.

“I would like to commend Aer Lingus for their expansion plans at Shannon, and their positive response to the Government’s decision to scrap the air travel tax in the Budget. This decision was taken to encourage airlines to increase flight capacity, and it’s clearly delivering great results. I am calling on CEO Christoph Mueller to develop an even more ambitious plan for Shannon by opening a European Hub at the airport, linking with one of Europe’s main airport hubs, such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Paris. This would allow Shannon to copper fasten its status as the gateway to the south of the country.”

ENDS