Friday, 12th June 2009

GOVT MUST PRIORITISE SHANNON PRE CUSTOM CLEARANCE ADVANTAGE
– HOTEL CHIEFS SAYS -

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today expressed disappointment at the reduction in air access between Ireland and the US from September.  It stated it is highly concerned at the potential impact on Irish tourism as a result of the Aer Lingus decision which follows Delta Airlines announcement yesterday to cut its Shannon/New York service. The IHF is calling on the Government to ensure that necessary legislation to put in place the US pre-custom clearance at Shannon Airport is enacted before the Dail summer recess. It maintains that this would provide a unique opportunity for Shannon to become an international hub for US airlines.

The IHF recognises that a financially strong Aer Lingus is essential to the sustainability of overseas tourism to Ireland. It is also essential that the Island of Ireland maintains as many direct air routes as possible from the important North American market. From the west of Ireland’s perspective, it is essential that there is there is a good international air service into Shannon particularly from the US and major hubs such as Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle airports.

According to Matthew Ryan, President, IHF, the forthcoming availability of US pre-customs clearance at Shannon will give the airport a competitive advantage over every other European airport as it will facilitate the operation of direct air links between Shannon and regional airports in the US which do not have customs clearance facilities and which presently only provide US domestic air services. Shannon has the potential to be a European air hub for such routes.

 “Adequate state funding should be provided to ensure that this unique pre-custom clearance facility is strongly promoted to airlines including private corporate jet operators. We would suggest that the same approach as that adopted by the IDA in the promotion of Ireland as a destination for inward investment and the assistance it gives to businesses locating here is applied similarly in this case to seek to interest and attract airlines who may be interested in opening up routes to Shannon,” says Matthew Ryan.

Mr Ryan also called on Tourism Ireland to have sufficient marketing and advertising promotions in place for the US market to make it compelling for both Aer Lingus and Delta airlines, to restore their air routes in 2010.
“We need the Government and its tourism bodies to now place a priority on activities that can create a positive road map for Shannon airport and the Irish tourism industry.  The US/Shannon air routes are a significant channel to secure overseas visitors and a unique opportunity presents itself for Shannon to become an international hub for US airlines,” he says.

Michael Vaughan, IHF Shannon Branch states that if Shannon can have its pre-custom clearance facility in place this summer it would provide a significant positive message for the US market, American airports and in turn US airlines  including the significant low cost carriers. 

“Tourism Ireland should allocate specific marketing resources to communicate this benefit to airports and airlines in the US.  This would encourage US airlines to use Shannon as a hub for connectivity to the US. This would provide a significant way forward to build competitive advantage for Shannon airport,” says Mr Vaughan.

The IHF concludes that, whilst we are in the most challenging, economic conditions this country has faced in years, the greater economic interests of the country and the region need to be protected. Ireland’s transport infrastructure and in particular its international accessibility is central to the country’s future economic success.