Shannon Group Chairman Rose Hynes welcomes the proposed IAG takeover of Aer Lingus and the Government decision to sell its 25% share in Aer Lingus to IAG

Shannon, Ireland, 2015-5-27 — /Travel PR News/ — The Chairman of Shannon Group plc, Rose Hynes, has today welcomed the proposed IAG takeover of Aer Lingus and the Government decision to sell its 25% share in Aer Lingus to IAG.

“This decision paves the way for IAG to take over Aer Lingus. It’s good news; it’s a positive opportunity for Ireland, will safeguard  the Shannon Heathrow connectivity for seven years and it opens the door to further growth at Shannon,” she said. “This year we celebrate 70 years of transatlantic flights through Shannon and this decision is the latest proof of Ireland’s strategic location as a transatlantic gateway for Europe.

“An IAG takeover of Aer Lingus opens a new era, not just for Aer Lingus but also for Shannon Airport and the region. Aer Lingus already operates successful US, UK and European routes from Shannon, and indeed only last week the airline announced a 20% increase in seat capacity on the popular Shannon-Heathrow route, adding to a new Aer Lingus Regional flight to Birmingham commencing on the 18th of June.  We are delighted that IAG has committed not only to  sustain and strengthen Shannon’s existing Aer Lingus services after the takeover but also to pursue further growth opportunities from Shannon to North America.

“Shannon is one of only two airports in Europe to offer the convenience of US CBP Passenger Pre-clearance. Not only that, we’re the only airport on the entire western seaboard with services to Heathrow, and we’re the gateway from the USA to the Wild Atlantic Way and to the west and south of Ireland, so we have a very significant market opportunity to explore with IAG.

“We look forward to the conclusion of this deal and to working directly with IAG and Aer Lingus to further increase passenger numbers at Shannon and offer more choice to the region.

Shannon Group CEO, Neil Pakey added, “IAG already owns British Airways, one of the largest airlines in the world and already a valued Shannon customer, as well as Iberia and Vueling.  Shannon is well placed strategically to benefit from this deal and we look forward to continuing to work with IAG and with the Aer Lingus management team led by Stephen Kavanagh, as we  develop and grow Shannon in the years ahead.”

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