Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Air Transport Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

55 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the increasing demand for direct flights from the west coast of the United States of America to Ireland; the plans, if any, she has to request Aer Lingus to provide this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11230/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is a matter for US and Irish airlines to decide whether to operate air services between the US and Ireland based on their own commercial judgment. Of course both I and my Department avail of every opportunity to encourage airlines to extend existing services and commence new services to Ireland and indeed one of the priorities in the joint programme for Government is the opening up of a new air links with the US.

Aer Lingus translantic services have increased considerably in recent years with the addition of new gateways — Newark and Chicago — as well as increases in capacity at existing gateways. This year Aer Lingus is increasing its capacity on its transatlantic services by 13 per cent over 1997. For the first time ever, Aer Lingus will be providing over one million seats on its transatlantic services this year. Currently Ireland has scheduled services to and from New York, Newark, Boston and Chicago provided by Aer Lingus and from Atlanta by Delta Airlines. From mid June Continental Airlines will operate services from Newark. This is a particularly welcome development.

I understand from Aer Lingus that the airline has not yet completed its schedule plans for summer 1999 and has no plans at this stage to offer services to the US west coast. This position is kept under review by Aer Lingus on an ongoing basis.

I am aware that concerns have been expressed in the past about the lack of direct scheduled services from the west or south west of the US. It should be recognised, however, that growth in airline alliances and code-share agreements, the increasing concentration on hubbing operations and in particular increasing capacity through existing hubs improves access to — from all US points. Both Delta at Atlanta and Continental at Newark have extensive route networks in the US while Aer Lingus services to Ireland also benefit from interline traffic at the hubs of other major US airlines.

I will continue to keep the situation under review in consultation with my colleague, Deputy McDaid, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.