Aer Arann to launch Dublin Cardiff service

12th December 2006 , Aer Arann , Ireland 's premier regional airline, today announced that it is adding four new UK routes to its network for summer 2007 effective from 14 th May.

The new routes include services from Waterford to Birmingham , Sligo to Manchester, as well as Galway to Newcastle and Bristol. The Waterford to Birmingham service will operate daily excluding Saturday, while the other three services will operate four days per week. This will bring the total number of Aer Arann routes between Ireland and the UK to 24. The airline also recently announced that it will operate seven routes to France during summer 2007 including four services from Lorient to Waterford , Galway , Cork and Kerry and three services from Nantes to Cork , Bristol and Cardiff .

Commenting on the announcement, Colin Lewis, Head of Sales and Marketing, Aer Arann said; “Today's announcement represents further significant expansion for Aer Arann in the UK market and will provide easy access to these major UK cities and greater choice for business and leisure passengers in the regions. We look forward to working with the regional airports to develop these services.”

The Lorient to Cork, Galway and Waterford services will operate weekly on Saturdays effective from 12th May 2007, while the Lorient to Kerry service will begin on 23rd June 2007. The Nantes to Cork and Bristol services will begin on 19th May 2007, but will operate twice per week on Tuesdays and Saturday, while the Nantes to Cardiff service will operate on Saturdays affective from 23rd June 2007. All services will be operated by an ATR72 66 seater aircraft until September 2007.

Commenting on the announcement, Colin Lewis, Head of Sales and Marketing, Aer Arann said; “The strong passenger demand experienced on our French routes during summer 2006 is indicative of the popularity of Brittany as a holiday destination for Irish and UK passengers and as such we are delighted to be increasing our network of French routes for next year. Nantes and Lorient are central to popular tourist areas such as the Atlantic Coast, Brittany, Anjou and the Vendée and as such make ideal touring bases for holiday makers who want to visit this region of France.”

Regulation (EC) No 1546/2006

Following the threat from liquid explosives that was uncovered in the UK in August, a new European Regulation on Aviation Security comes into effect on 6th November.

Only small quantities of liquids and gels may be brought through passenger screening points at all European Community Airports.

How does it affect me?
You are only allowed to take small quantities of liquids in your hand luggage. These liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. Containers must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per passenger.

At security in the airport:

”We are delighted to welcome Aer Arann on board for the new season. We have
watched this progressive Galway company grow over the years to become a
major player in the aviation industry, very much what we are trying to do in a rugby context,” said Connacht Rugby CEO Gerry Kelly. “This is an important season for Connacht Rugby and it is heartening that such quality top-line companies have come on board to support us.” he added.

This is the first major rugby sponsorship deal for Aer Arann, which operates
over 600 flights per week across 39 routes in Ireland, the UK and France. Commenting on the announcement Garry Cullen, Managing Director, Aer Arann said: “We are delighted to be coming on board as official sponsor of Connacht Rugby. We have experienced huge growth from the West of Ireland in the past few years operating services from Galway, Knock and Sligo airports and we continue to look for new opportunities for development from these airports which form a key part of our overall route network.”

“We very much welcome the opportunity to get involved in the local community and it is a particular honour to sponsor such a progressive team from our home province. We look forward to working with Connacht Rugby throughout the season and wish them every success,” he said.

Aer Arann will join main sponsors Bank of Ireland, who recently announced a new two-year extension to their sponsorship, and associate sponsors Day¹s Hotel, as the primary backers of Connacht Rugby for the new season. The logos of all three companies will appear on the Connacht playing shirt with Bank of Ireland on the front, Day’s Hotel on the right sleeve and Aer Arann on the back.

Connacht will open their Magners League campaign away to Borders on September 3 and will then have seven home matches on the trot, including their opening game of the European Challenge Cup against Harlequins. The first of the home games in the Magners League will take place on Friday, September 8th, against Neath-Swansea Ospreys and in the following weeks Llanelli Scarlets, Edinburgh Gunners, Leinster, Ulster, and Newport Gwent Dragons will visit the Sportsground. Connacht will open their European Challenge Cup campaign when they entertain NEC Harlequins at the Sportsground on Friday, October 20th. Season tickets are on sale on www.connachtrugby.ie and at the Connacht Branch headquarters at the Sportsground, College Road, Galway. Commercial Manager, Fiona Keys, says that season ticket sales have been very encouraging. “The season tickets are good value and with so many games at home in the early part of the season, supporters have been availing of the opportunity to get behind the side from the start,” she said.

The Cork to Galway service will operate five days per week from Tuesday to Friday and Sunday with an afternoon departure from Galway and evening departure from Cork. The new service will enable a day return trip for business passengers by connecting through Dublin in the morning and availing of the direct return service in the afternoon.

The Cork to Leeds Bradford services will operate four days per week departing Cork at 2.20pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11.00am on Sunday with a flight time of one hour thirty minutes. The return service will depart Leeds Bradford at 12.20pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 1.00pm on Sunday. The Galway to Leeds Bradford service will also operate four days per week departing Galway at 10.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 1.00pm on Sunday with a flight time of one hour twenty minutes. The return service will depart Leeds Bradford at 4.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 2.50pm on Sunday.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “These new routes represent further significant expansion for Aer Arann and will form part of our winter schedule. Over the last ten years, Leeds has transformed itself from a northern industrial city to one of the most vibrant and successful cities in the UK, with thriving finance, business service and retail sectors and we are delighted to be launching two new services to the city.”

He added “Our new internal flight between Cork and Galway comes as a result of strong demand from the business communities in both regions. It will enable passengers to complete same day return travel in each direction which we believe will be popular with commuters.”

The service which will operate four days per week will depart London Luton at 7.15am on Monday, Thursday and Friday and 10.15am on Sunday with a flight time of one hour and twenty five minutes. It will depart Newquay at 9.10am on Monday, Thursday and Friday and 3.30pm on Sunday. The service will be operated by 66 seater ATR72 aircraft. Fares on the route will start from £29.99 one way including tax.

This is Aer Arann’s second route from Newquay adding to existing services from Newquay to Cork in south west Ireland. The airline also announced today that it would increase frequency on this route from two flights per week to three, adding a Sunday service to accommodate weekend traffic.

Commenting on the new route Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “This is our second route from Newquay Airport adding to our existing service to Cork in the southwest of Ireland and we are delighted to be expanding further from the region. This new service to London Luton will provide greater choice for passengers in Cornwall travelling to the Capital and we look forward to working with the airport to further develop the service in the coming months.”

Andrew Mitchell, Cornwall County Council’s Economy Portfolio Holder, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer yet another way for Cornwall to connect with London. Luton is also an important hub for interlining to European and worldwide destinations, so I am sure this new route will prove popular and enhance Newquay’s growing reputation as a thriving airport. With the new route to Luton and the additional service to Cork on Sunday, we welcome the confidence Aer Arann have shown in the Cornish market. We look forward to working with them to make the service sustainable year round and to introduce other new routes from Newquay and into their expanding network”

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Demand on the Cardiff-Dublin route has been very strong since we launched the service on 1st May and we are delighted to be offering additional choice and availability to passengers on the route from 3rd July.”

Jon Horne, Managing Director of Cardiff International Airport said “In the few weeks since it began flying between Cardiff and Dublin, Aer Arann has given Welsh passengers reliability, better schedules and now adds a choice of even more flights. What’s more, this award-winning airline has sustained Cardiff-Cork and introduced flights to Brittany and Galway. The growing rapport between Aer Arann and Welsh travellers is obvious and well-deserved.”

The airline also announced that it would increase frequency on its Dublin to Cardiff route adding an additional midday roundtrip Monday to Friday effective from 3rd July 2006. The new flight will depart Dublin at 12.15pm and Cardiff at 1.55pm with a flight time of one hour 20 minutes. The airline already operates a morning and evening service on this route.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “We are very pleased to announce this new Shannon-Dublin service today which is our twelfth new route for Summer 06. This service will compliment the existing schedule on the Dublin to Shannon route by providing a late afternoon service which will allow business passengers to complete a day return trip to and from the Capital. We look forward to working with Shannon Airport over the coming months to develop the service.”

He added “Regarding Dublin-Cardiff, demand on the route has been very strong since we launched the service on 1st May and we are delighted to be offering additional choice and availability to passengers on the route from 3rd July.”

The decision to cease the Isle of Man to Liverpool service came as a result of the continual poor performance of the route and a decline in the overall Isle of Man to Liverpool air market. The airline will initially reduce frequency on the route from five round trips to three on selected days effective from 28th May 2006 with the last flight to be operated on 18th June 2006.

Commenting on the announcement, Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Demand on the route is significantly below the capacity available, with two airlines providing over 32,000 seats each month for around 15,000 passengers. The resultant low load factors driven both by air and sea competition, have led to a situation where the route has proven uneconomic for Aer Arann, regrettably leading to the decision to end services.”

He added “Following the changes to the Liverpool route, we will be improving the timings of our Dublin – Isle of Man service to provide a day return capability for business passengers whilst also serving the tourism and leisure markets. We will also continue to offer our twice-daily service to London Luton, with a new promotion launching today on both routes with fares from just £29.99 each way including taxes and charges. We remain committed to serving the Isle of Man and will continue to base an aircraft at Ronaldsway.”

Passengers booked on services beyond 18th June will be offered a full refund by Aer Arann.

This is Aer Arann’s fourth new route from Cork for summer 2006 including previously announced services to Cardiff, Newquay and Jersey. The airline also re-commenced the Cork Lorient service for a second season.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Nantes is the 6th largest city in France and the capital of West France. Located on the Loire Estuary, the city boasts a rich and varied architectural and cultural heritage and is central to popular tourist destinations such as the Atlantic Coast, Brittany, Anjou and the Vendée. We are delighted to be launching this new service today and believe it will be popular with passengers from both regions.”

"I am delighted to see the return of a direct Cork-Nantes service from Cork Airport", said Pat Keohane, Chief Executive, Cork Airport. "The addition of the Cork-Nantes route is a further example of Aer Arann's commitment to Cork and the Cork Airport Authority's desire to provide our customers with the widest possible choice of travel destinations throughout Europe", continued Mr Keohane.

The new service will operate three days per week Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing Manchester at 4.00pm midweek and 6.20pm on Sunday and departing Nantes at 7.25pm midweek and 4.40pm on Sunday with a flight time of one hour and 40 minutes. The route will be operated by a 66 seater ATR72 aircraft.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Nantes is the 6th largest city in France and the capital of West France. Located on the Loire Estuary, the city boasts a rich and varied architectural and cultural heritage and is central to popular tourist destinations such as the Atlantic Coast, Brittany, Anjou and the Vendée. We are delighted to be launching this new service today and believe it will be popular with passengers from both regions.”

Tim McDermott, aviation development director at Manchester Airport said: “We’re pleased to see that Aer Arann are continuing to go from strength to strength at Manchester. Their new Nantes service will provide further choice to passengers traveling between France and Manchester and I’m sure it will be an extremely successful route.”

The deal, which is worth over $180 million, is the single largest aircraft investment by a private Irish passenger airline and the third largest in Irish aviation history. It also represents one of the largest contracts awarded to ATR. This deal will allow Aer Arann to replace and supplement its existing fleet of 14 ATR42 and ATR72 aircraft bringing it to a fleet of 20 aircraft across its regional network by the end of 2009. The airline will take delivery of two aircraft in 2007, five in 2008 and three in 2009.

Commenting on the announcement Padraig O’Ceidigh, Managing Director, Aer Arann said “This is a significant milestone for Aer Arann and marks a consolidation of our strategic policy in going forward with an ATR fleet. The ATR 72-500 is playing a major role in the growth of regional carriers, offering great efficiency and reliability to modern operations. This expansion will enable us to develop our network further into the UK and mainland Europe and double the size of the airline over the next three years.”

Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO, said “This new contract shows the confidence that Aer Arann has in the ATR aircraft and represents a new step forward for the increase in the turboprop market during the last two years. This new deal will allow ATR to consolidate its position in the European market”. He added “2006 is confirming the recovery of the turboprop market and the success of ATR aircraft. Since 1st January 2005, we have received orders for 136 new aircraft, some of them have yet to be announced”.

Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 803 aircraft (398 ATR 42s and 405 ATR 72s) and delivered 692 aircraft (383 ATR 42-500 and 309 ATR 72-500). The ATR 72-500 is the latest development of the ATR 72 with a proven average dispatch reliability of more than 99.6%. This version shares the same power-plant, six-bladed propellers, the same interior design and soundproofing techniques of the ATR 42-500, thus offering the same excellent comfort and passenger appeal. Its standard capacity is of 68 seats. The ATR 72-500 has the lowest seat mile costs, recognised as a benchmark for the regional market. The increased power and aerodynamic refinements provide excellent take-off and landing performance. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) was increased by 300 kg, from 22,500 to 22,800 kg, end of 2004. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low outside noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly.

This is Aer Arann’s fifth new UK route for summer 2006, having previously announced services from Cork to Cardiff and Newquay, Galway to Liverpool and Dublin to Inverness. Aer Arann currently operates over 600 flights per week across 34 routes in Ireland, the UK and France.

Commenting on the announcement Padraig O’Ceidigh, Managing Director, Aer Arann said “We are delighted to be announcing this service from Dublin to Cardiff today and believe it is very important to maintain a direct service between these two cities. This is our third route from Cardiff for summer 2006 including Cork to Cardiff and Cardiff to Lorient and we look forward to working with Cardiff Airport to further develop these services in the coming months.”

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Having previously operated this service for three years we are delighted to be returning to operate the Knock to Dublin service. We believe there is considerable potential to grow this important route to and from the West of Ireland and look forward to working with the team at Ireland West airport Knock over the coming months to further develop the service.”

Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock, Liam Scollan, expressed his delight at the news that Aer Arann would be running the Dublin daily route. “We have always had an excellent service from Aer Arann both in terms of punctuality and reliability. In addition Aer Arann, under Padraig O’Ceidigh is strongly committed to the West of Ireland and we look forward to making the Dublin route from Ireland West a real success for everyone both here and in Dublin.”

Aer Arann has launched a total of twelve new routes for summer 2006 including services from Galway to Liverpool, Dublin to Inverness and Cork to Angers in the Loire Valley.

Aer Arann will operate over 600 flights per week across Ireland, the UK, France and Belgium for Summer 2006, and today’s announcement will bring the number of routes in the network to thirty-six.

Commenting on the new route Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “This is our fourth new route from Cork for summer 2006 representing considerable expansion from the Southwest region. We are delighted to be adding Cork to Newquay in Cornwall to our network of UK routes. Newquay is the West Counties beach paradise, with seven miles of sandy beaches and the surfing capital of the UK. We believe it will prove a popular leisure destination from Cork and look forward to working with both airports to develop the service in the coming months.”

Aer Arann will operate over 600 flights per week across Ireland, the UK , France and Belgium for Summer 2006, and with today’s announcement will bring the number of routes in the network to thirty-five.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager Aer Arann said “Our commercial team is continually looking for opportunities for expansion and as such we are delighted to be announcing this new service from Cork to Cardiff today. Cardiff has just celebrated its centenary as a city and its 50th year as Wales' capital and is a vibrant and thriving city. We look forward to working with both airports to develop the service in the coming months.”

16 th February 2006, Aer Arann, Ireland’s premier regional airline, today announced that it will launch two new routes from Cork Airport for the summer season. The new services from Cork to Jersey and Angers in the Loire Valley, France will begin operating on 2nd May 2006.

The Cork to Jersey service will operate weekly on Saturday departing Cork at 8.00am and Jersey at 09.50am with a flight time of one hour and twenty minutes. The Cork to Angers service will operate three days per week Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing Cork at 2.50pm midweek and 9.00am on Sunday and departing Angers at 6.10pm midweek and 12.20am on Sunday with a flight time of one hour forty minutes. Both services will be operated by a 66 seater ATR72 aircraft.

Aer Arann announced a total of five new services for summer 2006 as part of its network expansion strategy to the UK and Europe, bringing its total number of routes to thirty. Other new routes include Dublin to Inverness, Galway to Liverpool and Manchester to Angers. The airline will also re-commence the Cork Lorient service for a second season.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Today’s announcement represents another important milestone in Aer Arann’s growth and development and we are delighted to be expanding our European operations for the summer season. Following the success of our Lorient service last year we anticipate strong demand for our new Angers service. Angers is the gateway to the Loire Valley famous for its historic towns, amazing chateaux and fine wines, while Jersey remains an ever-popular holiday destination for Irish tourists. We look forward to developing both markets in the months ahead.”

The new routes include Cork to Jersey, Cork to Angers and Manchester to Angers in the Loire Valley, France. The airline also recently announced that it would begin a Dublin to Inverness and Galway to Liverpool service on 6th April 2006 bringing the total number of new routes to five for summer 06.

The Cork to Jersey service will operate weekly on Saturday departing Cork at 8.00am and Jersey at 09.50am with a flight time of one hour and twenty minutes. The Cork to Angers service will operate three days per week Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing Cork at 2.50pm midweek and 9.00am on Sunday and departing Angers at 6.10pm midweek and 12.20am on Sunday with a flight time of one hour forty minutes. The Manchester to Angers service will also operate three days per week Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departing Manchester at 3.40pm midweek and 11.15am on Sunday and departing Angers at 7.05pm midweek and 2.35pm on Sunday with a flight time of one hour and forty minutes. All of the services will be operated by a 66 seater ATR72 aircraft.

Aer Arann currently operates over 500 flights per week across 16 UK, 5 domestic and 5 French routes. Today’s announcement will bring the airline to a total of thirty routes.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “Today’s announcement represents another important milestone in Aer Arann’s growth and development. We are delighted to be expanding our UK and European operations for the summer season and believe that there is considerable potential to develop these new markets over the coming months. Following the success of our Lorient service last year we anticipate strong demand for both our Cork to Angers and Cork to Jersey services. Angers is the gateway to the Loire Valley famous for its historic towns, amazing chateaux and fine wines, while Jersey remains an ever popular holiday destination among Irish tourists.”

Aer Arann is one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Europe with a turnover in excess of €94 million and projected passenger numbers of 1.2 million for 2006. The airline currently operates over 500 flights per week across 16 UK, 5 Irish and 5 French routes.

Commenting on the announcement Jennifer Mooney, Communications Director Aer Arann said “We are delighted to be adding Inverness-Dublin to our network of Scottish routes. We believe there is considerable potential for a direct service between these two cities and look forward to working with the airport to develop this service over the coming months.”

The Galway to Liverpool service will operate four days per week, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday departing Galway at 10.15am and Liverpool at 12.00 noon with a flight time of one hour fifteen minutes. The service will be operated by a 66 seater ATR72 aircraft.
This latest announcement follows the recent decision by the airline to purchase ten new aircraft over the next three-year period to support its route development strategy.
Commenting on the announcement Micheal O' Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said "Today's announcement represents another important milestone in Aer Arann's growth from Galway Airport. Liverpool is emerging as a premier UK destination with a rich and diverse heritage, thriving nightlife and unbeatable shopping. It is an ideal touring base for England's Northwest and we look forward to developing this new route in the coming months."
Galway Airport Chairman, Michael Corless welcomed the announcement by Aer Arann that they are to commence a Liverpool service. “This will be the fourth UK service operated by Aer Arann from Galway Airport, offering additional choice to the passenger. Direct air access is critical to the economy of the city, county and the West of Ireland. This latest route development is a further boost to Galway's business and leisure sectors, and is a continuation of the airports commitment to developing convenient, city-to-city connections. I would like to congratulate Padraig O'Ceidigh and his team at Aer Arann on their on-going commitment to expanding air services from Galway Airport and wish him and Aer Arann continuing success”.

The new flight will operate Monday to Friday departing the Isle of Man at 5.55pm arriving in Liverpool at 6.30pm. The return flight from Liverpool will depart at 7.00pm arriving in the Isle of Man at 7.35pm. Fares on the new service will start from £23.99 one way including tax and the service will be operated by a 50 seater ATR42 aircraft. Aer Arann currently operates 132 flights per week to and from the Isle of Man on the Dublin, Liverpool, London Luton and Manchester routes.

Commenting on the announcement Micheal O’Callarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said “The Isle of Man has become an important hub for Aer Arann with four routes and over 100 flights per week from the island and we are delighted to be increasing frequency on the Isle of Man to Liverpool route from five to six flights per day in response to passenger demand.”