Vol. 487 No. 6
133 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the decision by the Russian airline, Aeroflot, not to use Shannon Airport as an east to west transit hub; if she will initiate meetings with the company in order to reverse the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4883/98]
I am not aware of any plans by Aeroflot to cease all transit services through Shannon. I and my officials had discussions with Aeroflot officials in late January to discuss their future plans for operation into and through Shannon Airport. Aeroflot assured me that there is no imminent plan to leave Shannon, although it must be recognised that Aeroflot will continue to look at the economics of all its operations. For the coming summer season I was advised by Aeroflot that the only change in Aeroflot's plans at this stage are direct Moscow-Washington services rather than transiting Shannon as in the past. Aeroflot are continuing to use Shannon as a transit point on their Russian to North and South American routes.
