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14/01/2008
Aer Lingus' Belfast Move To Spark London Price War
Irish carrier, Aer Lingus began flights between Belfast International Airport and London Heathrow on Monday morning - with a fares' war likely with competitors on lucrative routes to the capital.
It marked a major watershed for the 'flagship' airline – formerly government owned but now a private company – as it followed the ending of a link between Shannon Airport and Heathrow after almost 60 years.
There will be departures three times a day each way in what is the fourth of nine new routes at Belfast International since the airline decided to set up its new UK hub there.
The move caused uproar in the Shannon area, where fears were voiced that the move would have disastrous consequences for jobs and tourism.
Aer Lingus insisted it was a commercial decision which would be proved right.
However, the Chief Executive of Shannon Airport Authority, Pat Shanahan, resigned in protest over being kept in the dark about the decision until it was announced by Aer Lingus last August.
CityJet, the Irish subsidiary of Air France, has stepped in to provide a new route from Shannon to Paris - starting next month - which will provide onward connections to well over 200 international destinations. However no one has yet come up with a replacement Heathrow service.
The decision to move to Belfast also proved controversial there, where a strike by Aer Lingus cabin crew and ground staff over the new pay and conditions in Northern Ireland was only averted at the last minute.
The new service could spark a price war on London flights as Aer Lingus goes head to head with British Midland, which operates its Heathrow route from George Best Belfast City Airport.
It will also be in competition with easyJet which flies from Belfast International to the other London airports of Stansted, Gatwick and Luton.
Flybe operates a Gatwick route from the City Airport, while Ryanair - a major Aer Lingus shareholder - has recently begun a service from there to Stansted.
The Aer Lingus Belfast International Airport to Heathrow service is the fourth of nine routes it is launching after making a £100 million investment in its first UK hub and creating 100 direct jobs.
The airline last month started services to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Geneva.
Next month it takes off to Rome, Faro, Budapest and Malaga and adds Nice in March.
(BMcC)
It marked a major watershed for the 'flagship' airline – formerly government owned but now a private company – as it followed the ending of a link between Shannon Airport and Heathrow after almost 60 years.
There will be departures three times a day each way in what is the fourth of nine new routes at Belfast International since the airline decided to set up its new UK hub there.
The move caused uproar in the Shannon area, where fears were voiced that the move would have disastrous consequences for jobs and tourism.
Aer Lingus insisted it was a commercial decision which would be proved right.
However, the Chief Executive of Shannon Airport Authority, Pat Shanahan, resigned in protest over being kept in the dark about the decision until it was announced by Aer Lingus last August.
CityJet, the Irish subsidiary of Air France, has stepped in to provide a new route from Shannon to Paris - starting next month - which will provide onward connections to well over 200 international destinations. However no one has yet come up with a replacement Heathrow service.
The decision to move to Belfast also proved controversial there, where a strike by Aer Lingus cabin crew and ground staff over the new pay and conditions in Northern Ireland was only averted at the last minute.
The new service could spark a price war on London flights as Aer Lingus goes head to head with British Midland, which operates its Heathrow route from George Best Belfast City Airport.
It will also be in competition with easyJet which flies from Belfast International to the other London airports of Stansted, Gatwick and Luton.
Flybe operates a Gatwick route from the City Airport, while Ryanair - a major Aer Lingus shareholder - has recently begun a service from there to Stansted.
The Aer Lingus Belfast International Airport to Heathrow service is the fourth of nine routes it is launching after making a £100 million investment in its first UK hub and creating 100 direct jobs.
The airline last month started services to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Geneva.
Next month it takes off to Rome, Faro, Budapest and Malaga and adds Nice in March.
(BMcC)
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19 October 2007
Ryanair Hits Out As Aer Lingus Takes Flight
The latest news on the controversal Aer Lingus move to a Belfast operation - closing the Shannon-Heathrow route - is that its biggest rival (and ironically, its biggest shareholder), Ryanair is to provide three additional daily flights to London from Shannon Airport to ensure capacity and traffic does not fall as a result of the closure.
Ryanair Hits Out As Aer Lingus Takes Flight
The latest news on the controversal Aer Lingus move to a Belfast operation - closing the Shannon-Heathrow route - is that its biggest rival (and ironically, its biggest shareholder), Ryanair is to provide three additional daily flights to London from Shannon Airport to ensure capacity and traffic does not fall as a result of the closure.
15 May 2023
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority. The data analyses arriving and departing scheduled and chartered flights, with figures for 2022 showing that Belfast City Airport matched in its rankings with partner airports East Midlands and Exeter.
19 July 2012
Aer Lingus To Move To City Airport
Aer Lingus flights are to go from George Best Belfast City Airports as of the autumn. The airline is switching its operations there from its former base at Belfast International Airport. It will fly three flights daily in each direction to both London Heathrow and Gatwick.
Aer Lingus To Move To City Airport
Aer Lingus flights are to go from George Best Belfast City Airports as of the autumn. The airline is switching its operations there from its former base at Belfast International Airport. It will fly three flights daily in each direction to both London Heathrow and Gatwick.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
14 August 2007
Aer Lingus Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike
Around 500 Aer Lingus pilots have announced plans to hold a 48-hour strike next week, in protest over plans to pay staff at the company's new Belfast operation less than those in the Irish Republic. The strike is due to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to affect all the air routes run by Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike
Around 500 Aer Lingus pilots have announced plans to hold a 48-hour strike next week, in protest over plans to pay staff at the company's new Belfast operation less than those in the Irish Republic. The strike is due to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to affect all the air routes run by Aer Lingus.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
