2008-08-28 14:18:05 - Thursday, 28 August 2008 - The Mayor of Clare today called on management at Aer Lingus to immediately clarify its plans regarding its operating of transatlantic services at Shannon Airport.

High level aviation industry sources have informed Councillor Madeline Taylor Quinn that they believe that Aer Lingus is readying itself to announce a reduction of services between Shannon and New York and the complete withdrawal of its Shannon to Chicago link.

The Mayor's comments follows today's announcement by the airline that it will require fundamental changes in its operations following losses

of more than EUR22m so far this year.

Aer Lingus presently operates services between Shannon and Boston, Chicago and New York.

Mayor Taylor-Quinn explained that the airline's first-half loss had served to feed into the growing sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of transatlantic services at Shannon.

‘I believe that today's financial statement raises questions and further heightens concerns about Aer Lingus' long-term commitment to its transatlantic services from Shannon. Despite stating this week that it will not be making any announcement regarding its operations at Shannon in the immediate future, I now call on Aer Lingus management to immediately clarify its future intentions regarding Shannon Airport', added the Mayor.

She continued, ‘the retention of existing transatlantic services and future expansion are critical for the economic viability of County Clare and the wider region. Thousands of jobs and the sustainability of entire communities depend on these vital anchor services. As a region that helped establish and nurture the airline, we are entitled to be informed of any plans that the airline may have regarding its future operations at Shannon'.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeline Taylor Quinn (087-2402341) is available for interview
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900