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A year since Aer Lingus axed it routes to Heathrow and Shannon Airport is still feeling the pinch. The loss of the route last January has meant 330,000 less passengers. However, if Ryanair had not picked up, it could have been much worse.

It has affected the tourism industry and the ordinary passengers. Heathrow is still a major concern for Shannon. City Jet, which operates daily flights from Shannon to Paris, has helped to cover the loss made by Aer Lingus.

A representative from Shannon Airport said that Ryanair is a significant contributor to their business.

The success of City Jet, begun midwinter but has yet to be proven. They are looking at the possibility of a connection to London Airport in the near future.

Cork Airport may actually be about to challenge Shannon as the countries 2nd busiest airport as Shannon passenger numbers have dropped by 9% since the beginning of 2008. This makes it a possibility that both airports will be neck and neck next to Dublin Airport in passenger numbers by the end of the year.

There is still uncertainty surrounding Ryanairs future at Shannon Airport after billions of Euros were lost from the airline’s shares.

The budget carrier is still losing money and this could spell disaster for Shannon. A losing Ryanair is bad news for Shannon Airport.  Reports claimed that the airline could lose 60 million Euro by next year.

Ryanair’s management told a committee meeting that Shannon is one of its bases where they are losing a lot of money. They admitted that the company was making a loss at Shannon every year for the last three years. They said that the airline industry is in the midst of an economic storm due to the universal high prices of oil. 

Ryanair is very important for the continual growth of Shannon. The loss of the Aer Lingus Shannon Heathrow route was devastating and is still felt today.  However, these are just “worrying times” and Shannon Airport hopes that Ryanair can work through its current difficulties until a time when the global oil crisis is resolved,

British Airways (BA) has decided to take advantage of Shannon airport as a stopover for its flight services between London airport and New York.  This is a beginning of a growing commitment between Shannon and BA.

BA announced that its aircraft would stop twice at Shannon everyday, to refuel the plane and allow passengers complete arrivals checks.  Mr. Moroney told the limerick post that they have business opportunities, which are helpful to Shannon, like transit traffic, where they claim revenue from landing charges.  They are happy for this agreement, as it will give revenue and jobs for the airport and providers.  They use this to attract more airlines.   If this relationship becomes successful, it is possible that BA will let even more transatlantic services land at Shannon.

Regarding discussions about BA reviving the Heathrow or Shannon route, Mr. Mooney said that progress has been made, but they do not have intentions at present to open the service in the near future.  However, Moroney gave assurances that he continue to engage BA on the possibility of a Heathrow or Shannon service.

In the autumn of next year, BA plans to begin operation of their Airbus 318 aircraft which is the largest plane to land or takeoff at London Airport.

The Shannon region covers Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly and Clare. The airport in Shannon is the 2nd busiest airport in Ireland

There is far more to Shannon than just an airport. The area is home to many beautiful forests and lakes and some wonderful tourist attractions such as the Ailwee Caves and Bunratty Castle. There are guided tours available at many of the tourist spots in Shannon.

There are many activities which can be undertaken around the River Shannon. There are boats available for rent if you would like to cruise along the River Shannon or if you fancy a relaxing spot of fishing there are plenty of nice spots along the banks.

Pulling in to some of the many picturesque villages along the Shannon is always a worthwhile option. Why not pull in for the night and sample some of the local hospitality

To travel around the Shannon region in comfort and style try Shannon Airport Car Hire

Following the recent decision by Aer Lingus to pull its Shannon to Heathrow route, British Airways has emerged as a possible option to service the route

The Irish Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey spoke today of the continuing efforts of the Board at Shannon Airport to find an airline suitable to fill the role vacated by Aer Lingus who cut the route in an attempt to better service Belfast

Shannon Airport Chairman Pat Shanahan has said there has been no official contact with British Airways since a brief telephone call ten days ago and they have yet to receive any firm offers regarding the route. Airport officials also stated that these were “very early days” and “it would be some time before an agreement is reached”

Shannon Airport authority refused to comment on which airlines they were currently in discussion with but given the number of major airlines in the Irish industry it hardly takes rocket science to work out who they might be