Press Release

Aer Arann commences services at City of Derry Airport

23 July 2008

The City of Derry Airport welcomes a new airline to the city today with the arrival of Aer Arann who will continue the operation of the daily Derry-Dublin PSO service.

Pictured at the launch of the Aer Arann Derry to Dublin route from the City of Derry Airport is the Mayor, Councillor Gerard Diver and Captain Caitriona Murphy, First Officer David Mkee and second Officer, Second Officer Kieran O'Hallarhan, as well as Aer Arann's commercial director, Fergal Barry.

The Derry-Dublin route has proved to be one of the busiest routes for the airport and has benefited tourism, leisure and business travellers.

Noel Brennan, from Dublin, who was the first passenger to board the new Aer Arann Derry to Dublin route which commenced today from the City of Derry Airport, pictured being presented with complimentary tickets from the Mayor, Councillor Gerard Diver and Annette McGarry, from Aer Arann.

Welcoming the arrival of the airline to the city, Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver said: “Over 26,000 passengers used the daily Derry-Dublin service during 2007 and it has proved a vital local connection to and from Dublin. The arrival of Aer Arann, and the continuation of the service, offers an important opportunity to increase business and tourism links”.

Welcoming the new service, Aer Arann’s Commercial Director Fergal Barry, said: "The launch of Aer Arann's City of Derry to Dublin service today is a significant milestone for the Northwest and for Aer Arann. We have significantly increased capacity and reduced fares on the route. As a result, Aer Arann promises easier access and greater choice for business and leisure passengers both in Dublin and in the Northwest.”

The Chairman of the City of Derry Airport Committee, Alderman Joe Miller welcoming the commencement of Aer Arann service said: “The City of Derry Airport continues to support the local economy through improving direct access to the region and looks forward to building a successful partnership with Aer Arann.”

For details on the Aer Arann route please visit the City of Derry airport at www.cityofderryairport.com or contact Aer Arann direct on www.AerArann.com or contact your local travel provider.

Derry City Council and City of Derry Airport staff would like to officially welcome Aer Arann on board and wish them every success with what is an established essential route for the region.

Aer Arann today operates over 600 flights per week, across 40 routes in Ireland to the UK, France, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. The airline carries over 1.25m passengers per year. Aer Arann is looking forward to servicing the route and offering its superior service (no check in or baggage charges) to all new passengers from the Northwest with flights from only £20 one way including taxes.

Notes to Editor:

The Mayor and representatives from Aer Arann will officially launch the Aer Arann service on Wednesday morning, 23 July at 07.45 am.

Ends

Further press information can be obtained by contacting the Marketing and Communications Section, Derry City Council. Tel. 028 71 37 6504.

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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