Trevor Quinn
THE marketing manager of Ireland West Airport Knock, Donal Healy, said this week that there has been strong numbers on the new Flybe Edinburgh flights, which were officially launched two weeks ago by Minister of State, Michael Ring.
Mr Healy said the first flights were completely booked out while the most recent flights have all been 75 per cent full and this is an encouraging start. Estimated figures suggest the new service will bring in an additional 10,000 tourists to the region annually which will in turn produce revenue of more than €3 million to the local economy.
The flights are initially running on Tuesdays and Thursdays while additional Friday and Monday flights will operate in June and July. Healy says the new connection will provide a ‘significant boost’ for the promotion of the west of Ireland in the UK.
Flight numbers in and out of Ireland West Airport have exceeded expectations recently. Initial estimations for the month of April suggest more than 55,000 passengers are expected to have passed through the airport during the four week period, which is close to a new record.
“If you were down at the terminal this week you would not think there was any recession. Many people are benefitting from the variety of destinations and the low cost fares and are still availing of the opportunity to get away for a few days while the kids are off school,” added Mr Healy.
