ACA 'intent' on retaining Heathrow-Shannon link

The Atlantic Connectivity Alliance (ACA) has said that it is "absolutely intent" on maintaining services between London Heathrow Airport and Shannon when the existing Aer Lingus link comes to an end in January 2008.

Formed in August when Aer Lingus announced that it would be suspending operations between the London hub and western Ireland, the ACA has now made an application for take-off and landing slots at Heathrow to serve Shannon.

The submission was made through Astraeus Airlines and, if successful, will see services fit in with the existing schedule between the airports.

Patricia McCarthy, ACA member and mayor of County Clare, said: "The alliance has consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining quality and permanent connectivity between the western region and Heathrow."

John Brassil, chairman of the ACA, added: "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."

Mr Brassil confirmed that a limited company, Shannon Air Link, has been formed with Astraeus to enable management contracts to be entered into should the application for Heathrow Airport slots be successful.