The incentive provides for a reduction in airport charges over a three-year period and is to encourage airlines to commit to a year-round operation with a minimum of three weekly return services per week.

Martin Moroney, Airport Director said that the “purpose of this Traffic Development Scheme is to encourage airlines to retain and further develop year-round services as these are critical for Shannon and the west of Ireland”.

“While demand is quite strong in summer owing to the attractions of the West of Ireland and industrial base in the Shannon region, it is more difficult for airlines to sustain service in the winter period,” he added.

“The scheme recognises this and we encourage the tourism trade and agencies in the West of Ireland to respond with innovative pricing and product development to stimulate year-round demand.”

The Transatlantic Winter Incentive Scheme is published on the Shannon Airport website and the scheme will apply from January 1 for three years. The incentives will be of immediate benefit to existing airlines including Aer Lingus, Continental and Delta Airlines.

Since the announcement that the Aer Lingus Shannon to London-Heathrow route will be discontinued from January, many have expressed fear that transatlantic services at the airport could also be in danger.

Deputy Kieran O’Donnell has called on the Government to safeguard the transatlantic routes by seeking “a commitment from the Chief Executive of Aer Lingus, Dermot Mannion, for the retention of the 400,000 transatlantic passengers through Shannon Airport”.

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