On the eve of the last Aer Lingus flight to Heathrow, Shannon Airport has announced a record year for international terminal business growth in 2007, with almost 3.1 milllion passengers arriving and departing from Shannon to international destinations.

Catherine O'Flanagan issues one of 126 boarding passes for EI 382, the final Aer Lingus flight from Shannon to Heathrow last Sunday. Picture: Keith Wiseman

When domestic and transit traffic are added, Shannon achieved a total passenger throughput last year of 3.62 million. The 6% increase in international traffic was achieved despite the Open Skies transition in November 2006, which saw the reduction in transatlantic traffic limited to 4% and this was compensated for by a 10% short=haul growth.

Airport Director Martin Moroney said that in light of the many challenges in 2007, it was a major achievement to pass another milestone in international passenger numbers.

"We are satisfied with the 2007 performance in the context of both the ending of the dual gateway status for transatlantic services and the increasingly competitive aviation market in which we operate," he said.

"The ending of Ireland's dual gateway status for transatlantic services resulted in a 50% decline in passengers who pass through Shannon while transiting between Dublin and the US. Shannon Airport has retained its position as the second-largest airport in the state in terms of passenger throughput and attracted more than twice the combined throughput of all the regional airports."

Mr Moroney admitted that Open Skies and the decision by Aer Lingus to discontinue its London Heathrow service were both major blows to Shannon's future growth plans but the airport has "responded vigorously to these challenges".

The last flight on the Shannon to Heathrow route flew out last Sunday.

Mr Moroney said that the airport is planning for further growth in 2008 and "will continue to focus on route development and attracting new carriers".

He encouraged the tourism trade in the region and promotional agencies to exploit the increases in passenger capacity delivered by Shannon Airport with its partner airlines.

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