Campaign To Retain Shannon-Heathrow Service Given Fresh Impetus By Slots Application

Shannon, Ireland. (SANEPR.com) October 14, 2007 -- The campaign to retain services between Shannon International Airport and London Heathrow has today been given fresh impetus with the announcement by the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance (ACA) that it has lodged an application for slots at Heathrow.

The application has been made on behalf of the action group by Astraeus Airlines, an established provider of chartered and scheduled services throughout Europe, Africa, North America and Central Asia.

The authority responsible for slot allocation and schedule facilitation at all major airports in the UK, Airport Co-Ordination Ltd. has received the application, which seeks landing and take off slots at London Heathrow in line with the existing schedule of air services between the international hub and Shannon.

The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance was formed in August 2007 in response to Aer Lingus's decision to relocate its four Heathrow slots from Shannon Airport to Belfast International in January 2008. The action group comprises key industry, tourism and community leaders in the Shannon and Western Regions and nationally.

Mayor of Clare and Alliance member, Cllr. Patricia McCarthy confirmed that considerable work had been done, in conjunction with Astraeus, to prepare and submit a formal application for the slots.

The Mayor added, "The Alliance has consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining quality and permanent connectivity between the western region and Heathrow. Retaining these slots, which were not protected by the Irish Government despite the guarantees it put forward in the prospectus for the privatisation of Aer Lingus, have been the priority focus of the ACA's campaign. The Alliance, has therefore taken it upon itself, its members and the people of the Region to engage with Astraeus Airlines in seeking to ensure that the slots are retained for Shannon into the future."

According to John Brassil, Chairman of the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance, "The Alliance is absolutely intent on doing everything possible to ensure continuity of a Shannon Heathrow air link and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing this objective."

"We have been working closely with Astraeus and the Alliance has formed a special limited company – Shannon Air Link Ltd. – to enable management contracts to be entered into with Astraeus should we be successful in securing the slots at Heathrow", added Mr. Brassil.

Capt. John Mahon, Director of Flight Operations with Astraeus confirmed that a formal application for slots at London Heathrow had been lodged with Airport Co-Ordination Ltd.

"We are an experienced airline with an expanding base and would be very happy to provide services on the Shannon–Heathrow route on behalf of the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance. Our Board has considered the issue and will work with the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance on progressing the proposal", explained Capt. Mahon.

Based in Crawley in England, Astraeus operates scheduled and chartered flights for around 50 tour operators specialising in serving destinations in Africa, Europe, and Canada. It also specialises in providing operational capacity to companies, and has worked with Iceland Express, Air Asia, FlyBe and Sterling to commence or enhance their services.

Its main bases are Manchester Airport and London Gatwick Airport. Astraeus Ltd. flies over 4,700 seats worldwide per week.



Mayor of Clare Cllr. Patricia McCarthy (+353 874187132), John Brassil, Chairman of Shannon Development (+353 872362330) and Capt. John Mahon, Director of Flight Operations, Astraeus (+44 7747753203) is available for interview
For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on +353 868534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)