Minister Donohoe welcomes news of intended new transatlantic routes from Cork

25th September, 2015

Flights to New York and Boston will provide greater tourism and business development potential in the Munster region

 

Confirmation by Norwegian Air International Ltd (NAI), the Irish registered airline within the Norwegian group, of their plans to commence a direct service between Cork and Boston and Cork and Barcelona in May 2016, followed by a direct service between Cork and New York in 2017 has been welcomed this afternoon (Friday) by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD.

 

Minister Donohoe said: ‘I welcome the intended introduction of new routes and services announced by Norwegian Air International (NAI) this afternoon.  This is entirely in line with the goal of the National Aviation Policy, which I published last month, which is to enhance Ireland’s connectivity by ensuring safe, secure and competitive access for business, tourism and consumers. This decision by Norwegian Air is a significant expression of confidence in Cork Airport and has the potential to grow overseas visitor numbers and business development potential, not just in Cork but in the wider region’.

 

“The trend in new routes and additional capacity into Ireland, and the growth in tourist numbers that is evident so far this year, is an indicator that Government policy is working and that conditions are right to encourage new air services.  It is also very good news for Cork Airport and I am sure that the services will be well supported by the people in Cork and the wider region to ensure their sustainability.

 

“The services announced by NAI will require a permit from the US Department of Transportation and, in that regard, I wrote to my counterpart in that Department in July and urged him to make a positive decision on NAI’s application.  However, the process for approving the permit is entirely a matter for the US authorities.”

 

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