Aer Arann awarded Knock-Dublin route

Aer Arann welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Transport that the airline has been awarded the Knock - Dublin PSO (Public Service Obligation) route. In accordance with PSO route requirements Aer Arann will provide a daily early morning service from Knock to Dublin and an evening return service, beginning on October 1st 2008.

Aer Arann had operated the Knock – Dublin PSO route until July this year and had bid for the contract to continue flying the route as part of the public tender process earlier this year covering all PSO routes. This tender process was conducted in accordance with EU regulations.

“We’re very happy to have been awarded this route and to return to Knock”, said Aer Arann Managing Director Garry Cullen.

“While we were delighted to win the contracts for four PSO routes, we were initially disappointed not to retain the Knock route as we had developed a very loyal customer base”, Mr. Cullen continued. “However, we will now renew our relationship with our business and leisure customers and we look forward to offering them a quality and cost effective service”.

Mr. Cullen pointed out that Aer Arann is committed to the development of services from the regional airports and recognises these as vital parts of the national infrastructure.

“Direct services from the regions to major airports such as Dublin are key to Ireland’s economic development”, said Mr. Cullen. “They play a vital role in providing necessary access both for business travellers and the regional tourism industry”, he continued.