AerLingus now non-stop from Orlando

Dayna · Veteran Member

AerLingus now non-stop from Orlando

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

They USED to offer this route, before, but usually NOT during the Summer months. The flights WERE out of Sanford (SFB) NOT Orlando (MCO) -- not that it matters. Also, they used to only fly OUT on certain days, and back IN on the alternating ones.

Haven't checked out the newest offerings yet, but Fall is not a good travel time for me....

Bob

wojazz3 · Guru

If the Open Skies agreement comes through http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6477969.stm (currently expected for March 2008) Aer Lingus plans to expand to more cities in the US, a couple on the east coast, one in Texas (guessing Dallas), and San Fran. What also comes from that is the deletion of the mandatory Shannon stop over for all US airlines. Not sure if that will doom the airport.

Bill

wojazz3 · Guru

Just as an update, Aer Lingus is currently saying they plan to open up flights to Orlando, Washington Dulles and San Francisco.

Bill

wojazz3 · Guru

and just to keep this going....

Here's an article from the Limerick Post:

"The challenge Shannon now faces is, we must persuade airlines to retain their current level of services and develop new ones in an open market, and though I believe that while Open Skies poses a challenge to Shannon Airport, the retention and further development of year-round transatlantic services and passenger/cargo traffic is achievable, supported by a strong US marketing campaign, improvements in road and rail infrastructure in the region and a substantial reduction in our cost base.- Pat Shanahan

THE long awaited and dreaded end to the Shannon stopover could well present the airport with significant opportunity, given its position on the edge of Europe that is closest to the United States.

It is being proposed that the challenge for Shannon airport will be to position itself as a hub for European travel to the US.

Commenting on the approval of the EU/US Open skies Agreement by the EU transport minister, Kevin Thompstone, chief executive of Shannon Development, says "we must now deal with the new reality.

Stressing the need for a new economic and tourism development plan for the region to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by Open Skies, he says:

"We are faced with a unique set of challenges which rely on transatlantic air services to drive inward investment and overseas tourism in their economies, which makes the roll out of key infrastructural projects in the airport catchment area more critical than ever.

Meanwhile, Deputy Jan OSullivan is calling on Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, to honour his commitment to publish a completed feasibility report on the proposed Shannon rail link, seen as a vital piece of infrastructure for the continued development of the airport.

"Now that the minister has signed up to the Open Skies agreement, he must, along with his Government colleagues, deliver the necessary funding that will enable the complete roll out of the Tourism

CowboyCraic · Guru

Bill,

I do my part to promote Shannon for arrival and departure. I actually had someone ask me on another board how much I was being paid to recommend Shannon!

It is such an easy airport to navigate. I hope that will not change as they move forward.

I just hope that some day they choose to add Phoenix to their list!

Slan Go Foill,

Bit

Dude · Guru

Corpus Christi would be handy for me!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I only worry that the airlines will use this as an opportunity/excuse to end the 'open-jawed' parity in rates that have traditionally existed in Ireland.
Shannon is and always has been my airport of choice, but sometimes, it's just AWFULLY convenient to use Dublin.

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Thanks for the ever evolving info, everyone! The airline biz is definitely in flux. It will be interesting to see how things work out. I remember when you could hardly find a B&B with vacancies in the Bunratty/Shannon area. Now that planes can bypass Shannon that hardly happens much anymore. Shannon will have to re-invent itself to keep up with changing times.

Michele