AER LINGUS SHOULD REVERSE DECISION ON SHANNON PRECLEARANCE FACILITIES
31 Aug 2009
Labour Transport Spokesperson Tommy Broughan T.D. has expressed extreme disappointment at the decision by Aer Lingus not to use the new preclearance facilities for US customs and immigration at Shannon Airport.
Deputy Broughan said, "The Dail recently rushed through the Aviation (Prelearance) Act to facilitate the early establishment of preclearance facilities at Shannon and Dublin Airports. Since the legislation passed, Dublin and Shannon are the only European airports to be designated with US customs and immigration preclearance facilities which are set to give both airports a significant advantage for passengers flying to the US from across Europe.
"Deputies supported the legislation in order to attract more passengers, transit flights and jobs to these two critical airports given the serious difficulties facing the aviation sector and in particular the recent cuts to a number of transatlantic routes and jobs at Shannon Airport.
"It is therefore extremely disappointing that even though preclearance facilities are now in place in Shannon that Aer Lingus has decided not to use them until the Dublin facility is also in place. This is in contrast to the US carriers Delta, Continental and US Airways who have already agreed to use preclearance facilities at Shannon Airport.
"I believe that Aer Lingus must now urgently reconsider this regrettable decision. Minister Dempsey should also ensure that this matter is raised as a priority by the government appointed directors to Aer Lingus." |